I 


THE  KING'S 
CUPBEARER 


AN  HISTORICAL  MORALITY  PLAY 
IN  TWELVE  CANTICLES 

BY 
AGNES  CHALMERS 


>     J  "J  J 


Published  by 

THE   CRESCENT   PUBLISHERS, 

Grand  Rapids,  Michigan. 

U.  S.  A. 

TRUSLOVE  AND  HANSON,  LTD., 
London 

Copyright,    1919   and  1920.  by  Agnes  Chalmers 
Grand  Rapids,  Michigan 


ZIE 


J 


This  hooJc  is  offered  as  an  Amerieans 
expression  of  gratitude  to  His  Majesty, 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland, 
and  to  his  valiant  armies  through  whose 
unselfed  service  Jerusalem  was  restored 
December  9,  1917,  to  the  civilized  world. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

AN  EXPLANATION  OF  THE  WRITING 
OF  THIS  PLAY 

THE  POET  AND  HIS  SONGS 

As  the  birds  come  in  Spring 

We  know  not  from  where; 
As  the  stars  come  at  evening 

From  depths  of  the  air; 

As  the  rain  comes  from  the  cloud 
And  the  brook  from  the  ground 
As  suddenly,  low  or  loud, 
Out  of  silence  a  sound; 

As  the  grapes  come  to  the  vine 

The  fruit  to  the  tree; 
As  the  wind  comes  to  the  pine 

And  the  tide  to  the  sea ; 

As  comes  the  white  sails  of  ships 

O'er  the  ocean's  verge; 
As  comes  the  smile  to  the  lips. 

The  foam  to  the  surge; 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

So  come  to  the  Poet  his  songs, 

All  hitherward  blown 
From  the  misty  realm  that  belongs 

To  the  vast  unknown. 


For  voices  pursue  him  by  day 

And  haunt  him  by  night, 
And  he  listens  and  needs  must  obey, 

When  the  Angel  says :  "Write !" 

— Longfellow, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 


INTRODUCTION 


This  play  is  designed  to  give  to  the  world 
a  simple  lesson  in  honest  building.  No  more 
appropriate  words  of  introduction  could  be 
offered  than  Montaigne  has  given  in  describ- 
ing the  value  of  the  honest  motive  which 
should  accompany  all  constructive  work. 
*'  Tis  an  exact  life,"  writes  Montaigne,  "that 
maintains  itself  in  due  order  in  private. 
Every  one  may  juggle  his  part,  and  represent 
an  honest  man  upon  the  stage;  but  within, 
and  in  his  own  bosom,  where  all  may  do  as 
they  list,  where  all  is  concealed,  to  be  reg- 
ular— there's  the  point.  The  next  degree  is 
to  be  so  in  his  house,  and  in  his  ordinary 
actions,  for  which  we  are  accountable  to 
none,  and  where  there  is  no  study  nor  arti- 
fice. And  therefore  Bias,  setting  forth  the 
excellent  state  of  a  private  family,  says: 
*of  which  the  master  is  the  same  within,  by 
his  own  virtue  and  temper,  that  he  is  abroad, 
for  fear  of  the  laws  and  report  of  men.'  And 
it  was  a  worthy  saying  of  Julius  Drusus, 
to  the  masons  who  offered  him  for  three 


6  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

thousand  crowns  to  put  his  house  in  such  a 
posture  that  his  neighbors  should  no  longer 
have  the  same  inspection  into  it  as  before: 
*I  will  give  you/  said  he,  *six  thousand  to 
make  it  so  that  everybody  may  see  into  every 
room.' " 

If  this  play  furnishes  an  opportunity  to 
look  more  closely  into  our  dwellings,  and  if, 
even  in  a  degree,  it  enables  "everybody"  to 
"see  into  every  room,"  "The  King's  Cup- 
bearer" shall  thus  have  aided — somewhat — 
in  the  ultimate  liberation  of  the  human  race. 

Agnes  Chalmers 
Grand  Rapids,  Michigan, 
Thanksgiving,  1916. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 


THE  CAST 


Canticle  I 

(In  the  order  of  their  appearance) 
Hanani,  brother  of  Nehemiah 
First  Jew 
Second  Jew 
Third  Jew 

Nehemiah,  the  King's  cupbearer 
Artaxerxes,  King  of  Babylon 
(Military  Aid) 
Hearing — Wakefulness 
Sight — Intuition 
Taste — Discernment 
Touch — Faith 
Smell— Understanding 

Canticle  II 
(Previous  Characters) 

Canticle  III 

Eliasheb,  the  High  Priest 
Several  Priests 
Men  op  Jericho 


8  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

THE  CAST  (continued) 
Zaccur 

Sons  of  Hassenaah 
Meremoth,  Meshullam,  and  Zadok 
Several  Tekoites 
Jehoiada  and  Meshullam 
Melatiah  and  Jadon 
UzziEL  and  Hananiah 
Rephaiah,  Jedaiah  and  Hattush 
Hashub 
Shallum 

Daughters  of  Shallum 
Hanun 
Malchiah 

Rehum,  Hashabiah,  Bavai  and  Ezer 
Baruch 
Meremoth 

Benjamin  and  Hashub 
BiNNUi  and  Palal 
The  Nethinims  and  Tekoites 
Priests 

Zadok  and  Shemaiah 
Hananiah,  Hanun  and  Meshullam 
Malchiah  (the  goldsmith's  son) 
Goldsmiths  and  Merchants 
Eldest  Daughter  of  Shallum 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  9 

THE  CAST  (continued) 

Canticle  IV 

Sanballat 

First  Messenger 

Sensuality  or  Personal  Attraction 

Geshem 

Second  Messenger 

Shame  or  Condemnation 

Creeds  of  Men 

Sleep 

Canticle  V 
(Previoics  Characters) 

Canticle  VI 
Groups  of  Jews 
Shemaiah 
Wife  of  Shemaiah 
Hashub 

BiNNUI 

Previotts  Characters 

Canticle  VII 
(Sanhallafs  Messengers) 
Pride  of  Achievement 
Prejudice 
Human  Goodness  and  his  and  her  dual  self, 

Self-Pity 
Shiftlessness 


10  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

THE  CAST  (continued) 

Human  Will  and  his  two  children,  Greed 
and  Dishonesty 

Personality 

Human  Ease 

Jealousy 

Idolatry 

Self-Righteousness 

Hurry 

Persecution 

Enemy 

Love  of  Money  and  his  diml  self,  Limita- 
tion 

Canticle  VIII 

Human  Birth 

The  Twelve  Tribes  of  Israel,  or  Silent 

Approbation 
Maturity 
Discouragement 
Death 
Desire-to-be-Alone,  or  Human  Goodness, 

whose  better  self  is  Understanding 

Canticle  IX 
Imps 
Ezra,  the  Scribe 

TOBIAH 

Previous  Characters 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  11 

THE  CAST  (continued) 
Canticle  X 
(Previous  Characters) 
New  Cupbearer 

Canticles  XI  and  XII 
(Previous  Characters) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  13 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 


Historical  Sketch 

The  word,  Nehemiah,  is  derived  from  the 
Hebrew,  nek-hem-yaw,  meaning  "comforted 
of  God."  The  word,  Jerusalem,  is  from  the 
Hebrew,  yer-oo-shaw-lame,  meaning  founded 
peacefully,  or,  habitation  of  peace.  "To  be 
safe  in  mind,  body  and  estate,"  one  authority 
adds  in  defining  Jerusalem. 

Nehemiah,  the  Jewish  patriot,  was  Cup- 
bearer in  the  royal  palace  of  Shushan  during 
the  reign  of  Artaxerxes  Longimanus.  Dur- 
ing Nehemiah's  term  of  service  in  the  Per- 
sian Court,  word  came  of  the  unfortunate 
condition  of  the  children  of  Israel,  the  rem- 
nant, or  returned  colony,  who  dwelt  unpro- 
tected in  the  unfortified  city  of  Jerusalem. 
In  this  connection,  it  is  of  interest  to  recall 
that  in  the  year  588  B.  C,  Nebuzar-adan,  a 
lieutenant  under  Nebuchadnezzer,  razed  to 
the  ground  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  its  Temple 
and  protecting  walls.  Moses  had  earlier  pre- 
dicted that,  if  in  the  land  of  their  captivity 


14  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

the  children  of  Israel  repented  of  their  evil, 
the  Holy  City  would  again  be  restored  to 
them  and  that  they  would  then  be  able  to  re- 
joice in  peace  and  safety  within  the  pro- 
tection of  its  rebuilt  fortifications. 

Nehemiah's  sincere  concern  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  captive  Jews  within  the  devas- 
tated "City  of  David"  led  him  earnestly  to 
request  the  King  to  give  him  a  commission 
to  go  to  Jerusalem  and  repair  the  demolished 
walls  of  the  city.  Having  obtained  this  royal 
commission,  the  King's  Cupbearer  left  the 
Persian  Court,  accompanied  by  a  military  es- 
cort, and  reached  Jerusalem  B.  C.  444,  re- 
maining there  until  B.  C.  432. 

During  the  first  fifty-two  days  of  the 
Prince's  sojourn  in  Jerusalem,  he  rebuilt  the 
city's  wall,  and  although  he  was  beset  on 
all  sides  with  discouragements  and  doubts, 
he  faithfully  continued  his  work  until  the 
fortifications  were  finished.  During  the  proc- 
ess of  the  work  on  the  walls,  Nehemiah  was 
persecuted  unceasingly  by  the  jealous  gov- 
ernors of  Samaria  and  the  Plain  region,  San- 
ballat  and  Geshem  and  their  accomplice,  To- 
biah.  In  order  to  defeat  the  purpose  of  his 
scheming  enemies,  Nehemiah  set  a  watch 
"against  them  day  and  night."    He  supplied 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  15 

his  workers  with  both  tools  and  weapons  so 
that  they  might  work  with  one  hand  and 
with  the  other  fight  against  the  foe. 

This  earnest  Prince  not  only  bore  the 
mockery  and  abuse  of  those  outside  of  the 
city  but  he  likewise  endured  the  condemna- 
tion of  his  own  workmen  who  rebelled 
against  the  heavy  tithes  and  cruel  oppression 
of  their  rulers  and  nobles. 

After  the  completion  of  the  wall,  the  peo- 
ple joyously  realized  that  they  truly  under- 
stood for  the  first  time  the  Law,  when  they 
heard  the  Bible  read  by  Ezra,  the  Scribe. 

Although  a  solemn  covenant  had  been 
made  to  "walk  in  God's  law"  by  observing 
brotherly  love,  supporting  the  Temple,  and 
avoiding  inter-marriages  with  the  heathen, 
after  Nehemiah  was  called  back  to  Babylon, 
all  of  these  sacred  vows  were  broken.  In 
this  connection  it  is  interesting  to  note  that 
historians  give  two  views  of  this  absence  of 
Nehemiah  from  Jerusalem.  Some  writers  are 
of  the  opinion  that  Nehemiah  was  called  back 
to  Babylon  for  punishment  because  of  the  ac- 
cusatory letters  Sanballat  and  Geshem  sent 
to  Artaxerxes  regarding  the  Cupbearer's  de- 
sire, or  ambition,  rather,  to  become  King  of 
Jerusalem.    Other  writers  are  of  the  opinion 


16  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

that  Nehemiah  returned  to4:he  Persian  Court 
in  fulfillment  of  the  promise  he  gave  before 
leaving  Jerusalem.  The  view  is  here  taken 
that  Nehemiah  was  punished  as  a  convict 
slave,  doomed  to  hard  labor  in  the  quarries 
of  Persia  during  his  nine  years'  absence  from 
Jerusalem. 

After  this  sojourn  Nehemiah  again  re- 
turned to  Jerusalem.  He  witnessed  the  ejec- 
tion of  Eliashib  and  Tobiah  from  the  Temple 
because  of  their  attempt  personally  to  own 
the  Charch  which  is  destined  to  serve  im- 
personally all  mankind.  This  royal  Cup- 
bearer beheld  the  separation  of  the  mixed 
tribes  from  Israel,  arranged  for  the  reward 
of  the  singfers  and  the  Levites  who  had 
actually  performed  the  work  of  reconstruc- 
tion, and  made  provision  for  the  perpetual 
care  and  support  of  the  Temple.  The  view 
is  here  taken  that  these  reforms  which  fol- 
lowed Nehemiah's  return  to  Jerusalem  were 
actually  accomplished  through  the  Cup- 
bearer's surrender  of  all  human  power, 
which  left  him  in  possession  of  divine 
authority. 

In  all  these  ways,  Nehemiah,  "The  King's 
Cupbearer,"  acted  much  as  all  others  act  to- 
day whose  desire  is  to  build  rather  than  to 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  17 

destroy.  He  knew  that  the  practical  and  the 
ideal,  the  male  and  the  female,  must  be  for- 
ever united  in  the  individual  consciousness. 

Possibly  history  will  not  bear  out  the  li- 
cense taken  when  the  daughters  of  Shallum 
are  made  to  appear  as  actual  workers  on 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  The  appearance  of 
the  daughters  of  Shallum  as  builders;  and 
the  five  women,  representing  Wakefulness, 
Intuition,  Faith,  Discernment,  and  Under- 
standing, coincides  with  the  tender  womanly 
traits  "The  King's  Cupbearer"  manifested  in 
the  loving,  motherly  care  he  showed  at 
all  times  for  the  welfare  of  the  children  of 
Israel.  In  his  consistent  desire  to  rebuild  the 
waste  walls  of  Jerusalem,  and  thus  safeguard 
the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Israel,  Nehemiah 
was,  in  reality,  re-establishing  for  all  time 
that  quality  of  thought  which  Bernard  Shaw 
designates  as  "an  eternal  womanly  principle 
in  the  universe."  Nehemiah's  fearless  de- 
nunciation of  crafty  malice  in  his  fight 
against  the  governors  of  the  Plain  shows 
forth  the  courageous  masculine  traits  of  this 
Prince's  noble  character.  Nehemiah  fully 
realized  that  strength  and  courage,  patience 
and  intuition  must  be  truly  manifested  by 
one  who  would  become  an  honest,  construe- 


18  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

tive  builder,  and  therefore  stood  earnestly  by 
his  work  day  by  day. 

In  quoting  the  Psalms  in  this  play,  it  is 
with  the  thought  that  possibly  some  of  these 
constructive  songs  of  gratitude  came  into 
being  when  the  waste  walls  of  Jerusalem 
were  rebuilt  as  a  protection  to  the  city  and 
its  temple. 

No  more  fitting  tribute  was  ever  given  than 
that  which  history  has  recorded  of  Nehe- 
miah,  "The  King's  Cupbearer:"  "His  char- 
acter seems  almost  without  a  blemish." 

History  confirms  the  fact  that  Great  Brit- 
ain, like  Nehemiah,  has  throughout  the  cen- 
turies consistently  continued  to  build  the 
world's  wall,  rarely,  if  ever,  leaving  the  scene 
of  action.  It  is  undeniable  that  the  United 
States  of  America,  likened  here  to  womanly 
intuition  or  spiritual  understanding,  finally 
came  to  the  world's  rescue  in  the  latter  days 
of  the  first  phase  of  Armageddon.  Thus 
another  act  of  the  long  conflict  between  the 
flesh  and  the  spirit  was  ended. 

In  the  same  manner,  America's  hand  must 
again  steady  the  world's  wall  until  the  four 
sides  of  the  Holy  City  are  rightly  recon- 
structed.    These  four  equal  sides  are  here 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  19 

represented  as  Capital,  Labor,  Nation  and 
Church. 

In  the  final  phase  of  Armageddon,  all  of 
those  who  see  face  to  face  3hall  have  the 
joy  of  beholding  the  final  defeat  of  human 
goodness  through  the  mighty  power  of  spir- 
itual understanding.  To  this  end,  all  men, 
nations  and  creeds,  in  this  reconstruction 
period,  are  building  together  for  good. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  21 


PROLOGUE 


Description:  Two  Prologue  speakers,  Sight 
and  Intuition,  appear  be- 
fore a  curtain  which  por- 
trays two  parallel  paths 
winding  up  a  mountain  side. 
One  path  is  the  way  of  hu- 
man experience,  the  other 
typifies  the  way  of  spiritual 
discernment.  The  one  path 
is  beset  with  obstacles;  the 
other  winds  upward  with- 
out obstruction.  Both  paths 
converge  in  the  distance, 
(The  Prologue  is  spoken  by 
Sight,  a  man;  and  by  Intu- 
ition, a  woman,) 
Sight 

My  friends,  you  know  him  well,  this  man  of 
good 

Who  speaks  to  you  to-night.    Across  the  way. 

Perchance  he  dwells  from  you.    Earth's 
brotherhood 

Comprises  such  as  he.    Yea,  day  by  day, 


22  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

You  meet  him  in  the  street, — the  man  who 

goes 
About  his  daily  toil  with  hope  and  cheer, 
A  loving  worker,  he  who  always  knows 
The  joy  of  building  rightly  in  his  task, — 
This  is  "The  King's  Cupbearer."    None  may 

ask 
To  know  a  nobler  one  than  he  who  serves 
Mankind  with  just  the  duty  of  each  hour. 
This  is  "The  King's  Cupbearer"  who  deserves 
The  merit  Love  bestows.     Truth's  strength 

and  pow'r 
Be  with  each  royal  Cupbearer  we  meet. 
And  pass  to-day,  upon  life's  surging  street. 

Intuition 
Friends : 

We  are  the  King's  Cupbearers, 
As  we  go  on  our  way. 
Serving  the  wine  of  heav'n, 
Loving  all  faithfully. 
The  cup  Love  gives  is  patience; 
The  wine,  Truth  understood. 
The  King  is  our  God  in  heav'n, 
Guarding  earth's  brotherhood. 
Jerusalem  is  knowing 
Man  is  nor  bond,  nor  free; 
Blest  City,  ever  sowing 
Seeds  of  true  liberty. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  23 

The  wall  we  build  is  justice, 

Protecting  men  from  wrong. 

The  temple,  Church  about  us; 

Love's  anthem, — work  and  song. 

The  new  birth  comes  through  proving 

Man  is  complete  to-day. 

Watching  and  ever  loving 

Lead  to  eternal  day. 

Sanballat  is  sin's  malice, 

The  curse  of  peace  and  good ; 

Geshem,  hate's  poison  chalice, 

Drugging  all  those  who  stood 

Bravely  through  storm  and  sunlight, 

Ever  through  peace  and  war. 

Staunchly  at  dawn  or  midnight. 

Casting  sin's  curse  afar; 

But  ever  God  in  heav'n 

Destroys  the  hand  of  fear; 

Who  understands  is  giv'n 

Strength  to  endure  and  bear. 

Who  leans  on  understanding 

Builds  ever  strong  and  high. 

With  the  World's  Wall  constructed. 

Salvation  draweth  nigh. 

Dear  Friends,  may  we  be  watchful 

To  aid  all  on  our  way, — 

To  build  and  to  destroy  not. 

Blest  King,  we  watch  and  pray. 


24  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

("Sight  and  Intuition  turn  and  walk  some 
distance  together.  They  finally  separate, 
each  to  take  a  different  path.  Sight  takes 
the  rough  path  of  human  experience;  In- 
tuition, the  clear  way  of  spiritual  dis- 
cernment. In  the  dim  distance,  it  may  be 
seen  that  these  two  paths  converge,) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  25 


CANTICLE  I 


Repentance,  Doubt  and  Resolve 

Description  :  The  scene  is  a  richly  appointed 
room  in  Shushan,  the  pal- 
ace, at  the  Persian  Court  of 
King  Artaxerxes,  in  the 
year  H5  B.  C,  The  hang- 
ings of  the  room  are  of 
white,  green,  and  blue,  fas- 
tened with  cords  of  fine 
linen  and  purple  to  silver 
rings  and  pillars  of  marble. 
The  several  beds  in  the  spa- 
cious room  are  draped  in 
gold  and  silver.  The  floor 
is  a  pavement  of  red,  blue 
white  and  black  marble. 

Discovered  :  When  the  curtain  divides,  sev- 
eral Jews  are  discovered 
standing  in  the  center  of 
the  room  talking  to  Ha- 
NANi.  They  are  engaged  in 
earnest  discussion. 


26  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Hanani 
(sadly) 
There  is  no  hope ;  the  city  desolate 
Now  stands. 

First  Jew 
Doth  not  one  heed  its  direful  fate? 
Hanani 
(wearily) 
No  one  repairs  the  city's  shattered  walls! 

Second  Jew 
Is  no  one  mindful  lest  its  fortress  falls? 

Hanani 
The  world  has  not  awakened  yet  to  see 
There  is  nor  Greek,  nor  Gentile,  bond  nor 
free. 

Third  Jew 

Jerusalem  is  lost,  yea,  cast  aside! 

Hanani 

(despairingly) 

The  city  which  hath  been  adorned,  the  bride 

Of  Life  eternal ! 

(As  these  words  are  spoken,  a  stream  of 
moonlight  floods  the  room,  Nehemiah 
is  heard  praying  outside.  The  words  are 
distinctly  heard,  although  the  speaker  is 
not  seen,) 

Nehemiah's  Words 
"I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord  God  of  heaven, — 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  27 

That  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy 
For  them  that  love  him  and  observe  his  com- 
mandments : 
Let  thine  ear  now  be  attentive, 
And  thine  eyes  open, 
That  thou  mayest  hear  the  prayer  of  thy 

servant. 
Which  I  pray  before  thee  now,  day  and  night, 
For  the  children  of  Israel  thy  servants, 
And  confess  the  sins  of  the  children  of  Israel 
Which  we  have  sinned  against  thee: 
(The  curtains  at  rear  part,  and  Nehemiah 
sloivly  enters.  He  is  a  very  tall,  dark  man, 
wearing  heavy  black  beard,  without  mus- 
tache.    He  is  dressed  in  the  robes  of  a 
royal  cupbearer,  olive  green  satin  gar- 
ment with   conventional  design  of  em- 
broidery, and  a  wide  shoulder  sash  of 
royal  purple,) 

both  I 
And  my  father's  house  have  sinned." 

(Nehemiah  I:  5,  6.) 
Nehemiah 
(earnestly  addressing  Hanani^ 
The  Jews  which  have  escaped,  tell  me  I  pray. 
If  they,  left  of  captivity,  are  safe? 


28  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Hanani 
(to  Nehemiah; 
They  are  in  dire  affliction,  day  by  day, — 
In  great  reproach;  the  wails  are  broken 

down; 
Jerusalem  in  hazard  stands ;  its  gates 
Are  burning. 

Nehemiah 

(sitting  down  and  weeping — to  himself) 

Before  the  God  of  heaven,  grant  my  renown 

May  come,  alone,  through  building  up  these 

walls. 
Yea,  every  other  task  of  mine  must  wait. 
("King  Artaxerxes  and  the  Queen  enter,  fol- 
io ived  by  a  train  of  courtiers,) 
(The  King  and  Queen  ascend  a  miniature 
throne) 
The  King 
Were  it  not  pity,  Cupbearer,  that  thou 
Shouldst   seek   to   go   about   this   thankless 

task? 
The  captives  in  Jerusalem  art  now 
Endangered. 

If  any  grievous  plague  hath  heaven, 
Through  centuries  it  hath  been  freely  giv'n 
To  waste  Jerusalem. 

("Nehemiah  bows  his  head.  He  makes  no  an- 
swer.    The  King  summons  messengers 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  29 

and  gives  orders  for  a  seven-day  feast. 
Enter  several  messengers  who  offer  to  all 
drink  in  various  shaped  vessels  of  gold. 
Royal  wine  is  served  in  abundance,  Ne- 
HEMIAH  approaches  the  King's  throne 
and  silently  kneels.  He  then  arises  and 
leaves  the  stage,  L,  During  the  festivities 
of  wine  drinking,  in  which  all  join  save  the 
King  and  Queen,  Nehemiah  again  en- 
ters, bearing  two  jewelled  cups  of  wine, 
brimming  full.  He  presents  these  to  the 
King  and  Queen.) 

(to  Nehemiah^ 
Thou  art  not  sick 

Answer  me,  is  this  but  sorrow  of  thine  heart? 
Nehemiah 
(kneeling  and  kissing  King's  hand) 
O,  King,  live  thou  forever: 
(sadly) 
If  I  had 
The  gift  of  tongues,  I  might  then  tell  to  thee 
The  plight  of  those  who  in  captivity 
Now  wait  within  Jerusalem.    The  place 
Of  all  my  fathers*  sepulchres  lies  waste; 
The  very  gates  are  now  consumed  with  fire. 

The  King 

(according  Nehemiah  permission  to  arise, 

Nehemiah  stands  before  the  King) 


30  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

For  what  dost  thou  then  make  request? 

Nehemiah 
(with  hand  uplifted,  addressing  the  King) 

Higher 
Than  heav'n,  let  this,  my  prayer,  ascend. 
I  pray  thee,  King, 

Send  me,  that  I  may  wisely  build  and  mend 
Those  broken  walls. 

(The  King  turns  and  addresses  the  Queen, 
who  is  seated  beside  him  on  the  raised 
dias,) 

The  King 

(questioningly) 

How  long  his  absence,  Queen?   When  shall 

we  sing 
Of  his  return  ? 

(Both  King  and  Queen  drain  to  the  dregs 
the  cups  Nehemiah  has  brought.  They 
return  the  empty  cups  to  the  Cupbearer, 
who  places  them  on  table,  R,  Nehemiah 
again  stands  before  the  King  and 
Queen.^ 

The  Queen 
(to  the  KiNG> 
We  shall  not  miss  him 
(kindly  glancing  toward  Nehemiah^ 
if  he  can  rebuild 
Those  walls  that  lie  so  desolate.    Stilled 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  31 

Shall  our  sorrow  be  till  he  return. 
Nehemiah 

(Stepping  forward  and  kissing  the  hands  of 
the  King  and  Queen,  as  he  kneels  before 
them) 

I  set  a  time  to  come ;  it  shall  be  when 

The  waste  walls  of  my  thought  are  built. 
Yea,  then 

I  shall  return.    Forget  not  that  I  go 

Forth  but  to  struggle  with  one  deadly  foe — 

Destructive  self — ^the  self  that  rends,  indeed, 

All  else  save  its  own  whims. 

King,  I  may  need  letters  to  governors. 

(King  gives  Nehemiah  permission  to  arise. 
As  Nehemiah  rises y  the  King  hastily 
whispers  directions  to  scribes  regarding 
letters.  The  scribes  withdraw  to  one  side 
and  take  from  drawer,  documents  which 
they  present  to  the  King.) 
The  King 

(receiving  the  papers  and  handing  them  to 

the  Queen) 

(to  Nehemiah; 

My  son,  go  forth. 

And  prove  to  all  the  world  the  mighty  worth 

Of  building  rightly. 


32  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

The  Queen  (to  King) 
King,  bless  these  messages,  and  grant  the 

way 
Of  peace. 

(hands  letters  to  the  King^ 
The  King 
(Beckoning  to  five  men  in  military  garb,  who 
are  waiting  quietly  at  one  side.    The  men 
approach  the  King,  give  military  salute, 
and  kneel) 

(to  Nehemiah^ 
I  summon  officers  to  go  with  thee, — 
This  military  aid. 

(pointing  to  men  and  giving  them  the  signal 
to  arise.    They  all  arise,) 
Nehemiah  (doubtfully) 

God  grant  they  be 
Faithful  to  service,  willing  to  obey. 
And  ever  watchful  lest  I  fall,  the  prey 
Of  foe. 

Sight 
(Stepping    forward    and    warmly    shaking 
hands  with  Nehemiah,  peering  into  his 
face  and  looking  everywhere  about,) 
Ah,  look !    My  name  is  Sight.    I'll  try 
To  see  for  thee. 

Hearing 
(listening — to  Nehemiah^ 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  33 

Hark!    I  am  Hearing.    I 
Will  hear  for  thee. 

Touch 

(touching  everything  and  bowing 

— to  Nehemiah; 

My  name  is  Touch.     I  do 
Discern  all  things. 

Taste 
(tasting  wine,  proudly — to  Nehemiah) 
My  name  is  Taste.    I,  too, 
Teach  thee  discernment  and  delight, — a  taste 
Of  better  things. 

Smell 
(sniffing  the  air — to  Nehemiah) 
My  name  is  Smell. 

(with  importance) 

I  waste 
All  time  on  niceties. 

Nehemiah 
(sizing  up  the  men,  disapprovingly) 
Are  these,  my  King, 
The  best  thou  hast? 

The  King 
(to  Nehemiah,  eager  to  explain) 
They  are  trained. 

Nehemiah 
(disapprovingly — to  King) 
I  would  fling 


34  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Their  training  all  aside  if  I  might  be 
Protected  by  my  better  self. 
The  King 
(regarding  the  five  men  sadly 
— to  Nehemiah) 

I  know 
(shaking  his  head) 
Just  what  thou  fear'st,  and,  yet,  no  earthly 

foe 
Is  conquered  without  them. 
Nehemiah 
(as  if  he  would  reject  the  aid  of  the  men) 
And,  yet,  to  me 

These  soldiers  stand  for  trained  hypocrisy. 
(Nehemiah  draws  back  from  the  five  men 
who  crowd  about  him.    They  endeavor  to 
stand  as  his  body  guard,) 
No  conquest  save  the  conquest  over  each 
And  every  one  of  them ! 

(sadly  regarding  the  five  men) 

No  victory  won 
Save  by  self's  transformation! 
(to  the  five  men) 

Friends,  to  reach 
My  better  self,  I  must  discard,  indeed, 
All  thou  dost  cherish. 

The  King 
(in  a  quandary — to  himself) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  35 

I  am  perplexed ! 

The  Queen 
(eagerly,  to  King) 

King,  grant  that  I  may  say 
One  word  of  peace. 

(indicating  the  five  men) 

These  men  in  higher  form 
Have  oft  appeared  to  keep  our  Court  from 
harm. 

(to  Nehemiah,  with  deep  conviction) 
They  can  protect  thee;  if  thou  wouldst  but 

see 
Their  true  selves,  they  will  help  to  set  thee 
free. 

Nehemiah 
(to  King  and  Queen) 
If  they 

(indicating  five  men) 
have  higher  form,  blest  Queen  and  King, 
I  trust  them,  then,  to  guard  from  suffering 
Thy  servant. 

(bowing  and  indicating  himself) 
Sight 

(proudly,    to   NEHEMIAH ) 

I  have  been  trained  everywhere 
To  gain  my  present  worth.  I  go,  my  friend, 
With  thee. 


36  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 
(again  shrinking  back  from  the  five  men  as 

if  he  could  not  go  with  them — to  Sight) 
Thou  speakest  proudly,  Sir,  I  dare 
Not  enter  with  thee  in  this  task  I  do. 
Sight 
(eagerly  to  Nehemiah) 
If  I  should  reach  a  greater  height,  renew 
My  better  self,  wouldst  thou  then  go  with 
me? 

Nehemiah 
(to  Sight) 
Assured,  indeed,  that  I  could  never  see 
Aught  but  the  real  through  thee,  I,  then, 

shouldst  go 
With  thee.  Sir  Sight,  to  conquer  alien  foe. 
Sight 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Then  I  shall  stay  with  thee,  for  thou  may'st 

need 
My  presence  as  thou  conquer'st  form  and 
creed. 

Hearing 

(stepping  forward,  convincingly 

— to  Nehemiah) 

Have  I  not  heard  for  thee  in  days  long  past? 

Nehemiah 
(peering  long  into  Hearing's  face,  as  if  rec- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  37 

ognizing  an  undesirable  acquaintance) 
Yea,  ofttimes  heard;  IVe  ofttimes  wished 

thou  had'st 
Not  heard 

{covering  his  ears  with  his  hands  as  if  to 
shut  out  unpleasant  sounds) 

The  jarring  noises  of  the  fast 
Revolving  centuries ! 

(as  t/  brushing  all  noise  a^ide) 

Would,  I  might  cast 
Their  shrieking  woes  aside! 
(weeps) 
Hearing 
(pleadingly,  to  Nehemiah) 

Friend,  truly,  I 
Will  stand  for  perfect  hearing;  I  will  try 
To  put  down  self. 

Nehemiah 
(testingly — to  Hearing) 

Nor  hear  of  foe  nor  friend 
Aught  but  the  best? 

(Hearing  nods  assent) 

Then,  come! 
Touch 
(stepping  forward  and  addres- 
sing Nehemiah) 

I,  too,  wouldst  lend 
Thee  faithful  service. 


38  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 
(to  Touch) 
Yea,  I  know  that  thou 
Hast  wrought  good  ofttimes,  yet  thy  judg- 
ments now 
Are  biased. 

Touch 

(proudly,  to  Nehemiah) 

I,  friend,  am  trained  to  serve.    Trust  me! 

Smell 

(advancing  and  addressing  Nehemiah) 

And  I  will  warn  thee  when  thou  need'st  to  be 

On  guard. 

Taste 
(hastily,  to  Nehemiah) 
I  gladly  tell  thee  what  is  good. 
Nehemiah 
(looking  at  the  five  men,  sadly) 
And  yet,  not  one  of  you  has  understood! 
All 
(incredulously) 
Not  one  of  us  has  understood? 

Nehemiah  (to  Sight; 
Not  in  thy  present  form.    'Tis  very  true 
Each  is  well  trained  to  serve. 
(indicating  all) 
Yea,  there  are  few 
Their  equals! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  39 

(again  addressing  SiGHT^ 

Still  they  are  so  incomplete 
I  dare  not  go  with  them! 

{drawing  back) 

I  dare  not  meet 
(addressing  all) 
— With  just  their  aid,  alone, — I  dare  not  go — 

(addressing  all) 
With  them  alone — ^to  conquer  self,  the  foe 
That  doth  resist  the  longest. 

Sight  (loudly — to  all) 
Men,  awake 
(indicating  all  the  men) 
Your  better  selves. 

The  King 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Our  Queen  says  they  have  better  selves. 
{indicating  men) 
I  know 
She  truly  speaks;  thou  may'st  safely  go 
With  these  five,  well-trained  men. 
The  Queen 
{indicating  men) 

They  always  take 
On  higher  forms  whenever  the  command 
Is  giv'n. 

The  Five  Men 
{together) 


40  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

We  offer  as  a  pledge  our  hand, 

(all  extend  hand  to  Nehemiah) 
In  honor ;  if  thou  need'st  us,  thou  shalt  see 
We  will  be  present,  friend,  to  set  thee  free 
From  self. 

Nehemiah 
(to  five  men) 
Dear  friends,  I  trust  you  as  we  go 
Forth  to  redeem  all  captives  from  the  foe 
Of  self. 

(instructing  the  men) 
Mark,  God's  own  word  each  man  must  speak ! 
Remember  well,  the  fall'n  and  the  weak 
Look  up  in  pray'r  to  us.    God  grant  we  may 
Judge  righteous  judgment. 

(with  bowed  head) 

Let  us  watch  and  pray 
For  wisdom. 

Smell 
(to  all) 
Let  us  ever  faithful  be! 
Till  Israel's  remnant  shall  be  truly  free. 

Nehemiah 
Through  understanding,  all  the  sons  of  men, 
All  nations,  churches  will  be  one  again. 
When  Israel's  remnant  is  restored,  the  leav'n 
Of  lasting  peace  to  all  the  world  is  giv'n. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEAREE  41 

(to  the  five) 
Speak  up,  my  men,  and  tell  me,  dost  thou 

know 
That  good  must  aid  us  daily  as  we  go 
Forth  to  our  tasks? 

(to  King  and  Queen) 

I  go,  blest  King  and  Queen, 
With  these, 

(indicating  men) 
thy  messengers.    Grant  they  redeem 
Me  from  dread  sin  and  fear,  until  I  see 
I  am  nor  Greek,  nor  Gentile,  bond  nor  free. 
Nor  male,  nor  female,  in  the  task  I  do. 

(joyously) 
We  shall  redeem  the  remnant.    Captive  Jew 
Shall  be  set  free !    Now  I  may  go,  indeed, 
(gathering  men  closely  to  him) 

with  these. 
Our  Father  knows  our  every  need. 
The  King 
(handing  the  letters  to  Nehemiah) 
Go  forth,  thou  Cupbearer  of  earthly  King, 
Go  forth,  and  let  the  world  in  gladness  ring 
With  all  thine  overcomings. 

May  these 
(indicating  letters) 
Bring  thee  peace. 


42  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 

(with  firm  resolve) 

The  city  of  my  fathers*  sepulchres  must  be 

rebuilt ! 
It  ofttimes  seems  a  struggle  to  begin 
To  cleanse  one's  thought  from  cursed  fear 

and  sin. 
I  long  to  go,  and  yet, 

(as  if  weakening  in  his  resolve) 

I  am  afraid. 
(with  firmness) 
Ah,  no,  God  hath  made  all  things  that  were 

made. 
And  called  them  "good"  and  "very  good." 

Blest  King, 
I  go 

(resolutely) 

to  conquer  sin  and  suffering. 
(Nehemiah  steps  forward  and  kneels  a  mo- 
ment before  the  King  and  Queen  for  a 
blessing.) 

The  King  and  Queen 

(together  to  Nehemiah) 

bur  blessing.  Son,  the  Court  of  Persia  gives 

Thee  full  commission.    Go!    Earth's  captive 

lives ! 

(King  and  Queen  give  command  for 

Nehemiah  to  rise) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  43 

Nehemiah 
(Rising,  to  All  as  if  in  prayer,  with  hands 
outstretched.     The  five  men  stand  close 
to  Nehemiah  while  the  King  and  Queen 
and  Court  listen  with  bowed  heads,) 
**0  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  let  now  thine  ear 
Be  attentive  to  the  pray'r  of  thy  servant, 
And  to  the  pray'r  of  thy  servants,  who  desire 
To  fear  thy  name :  and  prosper,  I  pray  thee, 
Thy  servant  this  day,  and  grant  him  mercy 
In  the  sight  of  this  man. 

(indicating  King) 
For  I  was  the  king's  cupbearer." 

(Nehemiah  1;11.) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  45 


CANTICLE  II 


An  Evening  of  Encouragement 

Description:  The  scene  shows  the  moon, 
under  a  half  cloud,  shed- 
ding light  upon  the  waste 
walls  of  Jerusalem.  The 
scene  is  laid  in  a  valley. 
The  dragon  well  and  the 
dung  port  are  near.  A 
brook  runs  close  by.  A  most 
disconsolate  aspect.  The 
gates  of  the  wall  have  all 
been  consumed  with  fire. 

Discovered:  Nehemiah  and  the  five  men. 
Sight,  Touch,  Taste, 
Smell,  Hearing,  are  stand- 
ing together,  viewing  with 
cheerful  countenances  the 
most  disconsolate  of  places, 
— Jerusalem's  devastated 
walls.  They  walk  together, 
as  if  on  a  tour  of  inspection, 
until  they  come  to  the  gate 


46  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

of   the   fountain   and    the 
King's  pool,  A  beast  passes 
under  this  gate. 
Nehemiah 
"Ye  see  the  distress  that  we  are  in, 
How  Jerusalem  lieth  waste, 
And  the  gates  thereof  are  burned  with  fire: 
Come,  and  let  us  build  up  the  wall  of  Jerusa- 
lem, 
That  we  be  no  more  a  reproach." 

(Nehemiah  2:17.) 
E*en  through  this  dire  distress,  I  seem  to  be 
Encouraged  to  press  on  and  set  men  free. 
Sight 
(to  Nehemiah) 
The  hand  of  God  hath  dealt  so  well  with  thee. 
The  King's  words  bless  us.    With  sincerity 
We  go  about  this  task. 

Nehemiah 
(to  the  five  men) 

Come,  let  us  rise 
And  build  these  walls  aright. 
Touch 
(joyously,  to  Nehemiah) 

Let  us  surprise 
The  rulers,  priests,  and  nobles  with  a  wall 
That  never  can  be  shattered,  never  fall. 


the  king's  cupbearer  47 

Taste 

(to  all) 

We  are  despised,  yea,  laughed  to  scorn,  and 

yet. 
We,  too,  may  build  what  multitudes  forget 
Not,  nor  despise. 

Smell 
Let  us  build  high — 

High  unto  heav'n,  that  he  who  passeth  by 
May  mark  the  remnant  now  is  safe,  indeed, 
Within  these  walls. 

Hearing 
Where  never  form,  nor  human  creed 
May  enter. 

Nehemiah 

(approvingly  to  all) 

Thou   hast   grown   wise,   my   friends;   yea, 

thou  dost  speak 
Words  of  true  wisdom.    All  the  lonely,  weak 
And  weary  ones  of  earth  shall  be  redeemed. 
Thou  art  much  nobler  than  thou  e*er  hast 

seemed. 
I  say  again,  thou  hast  grown  wise ;  and  high 
Above  thy  former  selves. 
Sight 
(meekly,  to  Nehemiah) 

And,  if  we  try 
We  may  grow  higher  in  this  thing  we  do. 


48  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Hearing 

We  may  put  off  the  old  man  for  the  new. 

Nehemiah 

(to  all) 

My  men,  I  see  a  change  in  thee. 

The  Five  Men 

(together) 

Tistrue! 
Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
My  friends,  I  doubted  thee,  but  now  I  see 
Thou,  trained  in  things  of  God,  may'st  set 

men  free 
From  self. 

The  Five  Men 
(together) 
Tis  true,  we,  trained  in  things  of  good. 
Free  thee  and  all  earth's  weary  brotherhood. 

Nehemiah 
Then  I  must  trust  thy  better  selves,  indeed, 
In  all  this  reconstruction.    Friends,  we  need 
To  stand  together. 

The  Five  Men 
(together) 
Friend,  nor  lust,  nor  greed 
Shall  turn  us  back. 

Nehemiah 
(to  all) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  49 

These  broken  walls  shall  be 

Redeemed — ^this  is  God's  work  for  you  and 

me; 
And,  as  we  work,  God's  truth  shall  bring  to 

light 
Our  better  selves. 

The  Five  Men 
(together) 
God  give  us  grace  and  might! 
Nehemiah 
(with  hands  outstretched — to  the  five) 
Remember  well,  ye  men,  that  which  I  say, 
The  God  in  heav'n  always  points  the  way 
Of  him  who  builds  for  others. 
The  Five  Men 
(together) 

He  doeth  well! 
Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
And  yet  he  may  not  ever  boast  nor  tell 
Of  what  he  builds.  Ye  have  no  portion,  right, 
Within  Jerusalem.     No  fearful  right 
Of  ownership  may  enter  in  thy  work. 
Come,  let  us  build. 

The  Five  Men 

(together) 
Let  not  one  of  us  shirk 
Our  duty. 


50  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
I,  Cupbearer,  lead  thee  forth. 
The  Five  Men 
(earnestly) 
O,  may  our  work  alone  speak  of  our  worth. 
(At  this  moment,  the  appearance  of  the  men 
changes.     The  dark  garments  they  are 
wearing    fall    to    the    ground,    showing 
bright,  soft  robes  of  ethereal  nature.  The 
men  take  on  the  forms  of  women  as  they 
stand  in  the  moonlight,  which  has  now 
become  bright.) 

Nehemiah 

(beholding  all  with  radiant  countenance) 

Ah,  I  have  thought  that  thou  wert  men.    1 

see 
The  woman  in  thee  now! 

(peering  into  their  faces) 
(to  Hearing) 
And  thou,  dear  Wakefulness,  forever  true 
To  highest  good  art  thou.    I  scarcely  knew 
That  thou  wert  male  and  female. 

(to  Sight) 
Thou,  Sight,  art  Intuition  in  disguise, — 
No  wonder  that  thou  hast  discerning  eyes. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  51 

(to  Touch) 
Thou,  Touch,  art  Faith.     Tis  ever  very- 
well 
Thou  know'st  events  before  the  world  can 

tell 
They  have  begun ;  yea,  friend,  through  hope 

and  trust. 
Blest  Faith,  thy  ways  are  ever  true  and  just! 

(to  Taste) 
Discernment,  thou  art  joyous  woman,  too, 
And  male,  as  well;  thou  dost,  indeed,  renew 
The  youth  of  those  who  follow  thee  aright. 

(to  Smell) 
Dear  Understanding,  leading  on  to  day. 

(as  if  in  prophecy) 
In  years  to  come,  thou  wilt  point  out  the  way 
Of  Life  eternal  for  all  creeds  and  men. 
Thou  shalt  arise  a  woman-country,  free 
From  self.    A  war-torn  world  shall  see 
When  Understanding  comes,  all  nations  then 
Shall  dwell  in  peace,  yea,  men  shall  love, 

indeed. 
When  Understanding  comes.  Love  is  earth's 
creed. 

(to  all) 
(looking  closely) 

Ah,  I  see 
The  woman  in  thee  now. 


52  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Friends,  this  is  well,  for  thou  wilt  need  to  be 
Both  male  and  female  in  this  task  ye  do, — 
Complete  and  satisfied.     Each  captive  Jew, 
When  wakened,  shall  behold  nor  bond  nor 

free 
Is  he,  indeed.    The  courage  of  the  male 
Is  his,  and  woman's  gentle  tenderness; 
Complete  and  satisfied,  he  cannot  fail. 
Yea,  Israel's  captives,  still,  shall  richly  bless 
All  men.  They  shall  behold  God's  husbandry ; 
Wedded  to  Truth,  all  men  shall  then  be  free. 
Ofttimes,  my  friends,  a  task  at  first  seems 

light. 
Though  it  loom  large,  indeed,  to  finite  sight. 
Be  not  fair  weather  friends.    Stay  thou  and 

fight 
When  fall  discouragement  and  darkest 

night,— 
Through  fiercest  battle  stay  and  win, — for 

right. 
"The  God  of  heav'n,  he  will  prosper  us." 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  53 


CANTICLE  III 


Honest  Daily  Needs 
The  Transfiguration  of  Labor 

Description:  A  morning  scene,  showing  a 
vast  army  of  men  ready  for 
work  on  the  waste  walls  of 
Jerusalem, 

Discovered  :    Eager  groups  of  men  carrying 

tools,  the  daughters  of  Shallum  and 

Understanding, 

Eliashib  (the  High  Priest) 
(beckoning  to  several  priests) 
Come,  brethren,  let  us  build  this  sheep  gate 
well. 

Several  Priests 

(together) 

And  sanctify  it  to  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

Men  op  Jericho 

(building  and  speaking  together) 

What  we  have  builded,  future  ages  tell. 

Zaccur 
Not  one  stroke  of  our  hammers  can  be  lost. 


54  the  king's  cupbearer 

Sons  of  Hassenaah 

(working  at  fish  gate) 

We  lay  the  beams  thereof ;  the  doors  are  set ; 

The  locks  thereof,  the  bars  thereof  are  fast. 

Meremoth,  Meshullam,  and  Zadok 

(together) 

We  work  that  no  one  ever  can  forget. 

Several  Tekoites 
And  we  that  peace  and  truth  forever  last. 
Jehoiada  and  Meshullam 
(working  together  at  the  old  gate) 
We  lay  each  beam  thereof,  and  set  each  door. 
Melatiah  and  Jadon 
(together) 
We  work  nor  ask  for  any  blessing  more. 
UzziEL  and  Hananiah 
(working  on  the  broad  wall) 
The  broad  wall  must  be  perfect,  too,  that  we 
May  see  them  safe  in  their  captivity. 
Rephaiah,  Jedaiah  and  Hattush 
(working) 
May  see  them  safe,  and  who  are  they? 
Malchijah  and  Hashub 
(repairing  the  tower  of  the  furnaces) 
Each  vagrant  thought  that  hath  become  the 

prey 
Of  self. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  55 

Shallum 

(the  ruler  of  the  half  part  of  Jeritsalem, 

working  with  his  daughters) 

I  came  here  with  my  daughters,  they  who 

rule 
And  work  with  me.    Each  one  with  her  own 

tool 
Is  building. 

(the  women  drive  nails) 
Daughters  of  Shallum 
(together) 
We  came  that  all  may  see 
The  utter  helplessness,  futility. 
Of  those  who  come  disguised  as  helpers,  when 
The  news  of  reconstruction  reaches  men. 
Hanun 
(repairing  the  valley  gate) 
Sanballat  and  Geshem,  the  ones  you  fear, 
Daughters  of  Shallum? 

Daughters  of  Shallum 
(together) 
Not  if  we  keep  on  building,  tier  on  tier. 

Eldest  Daughter  of  Shallum 
The  ones  we  fear, — and  yet  why  should  we 

fear? 
Since  God  is  God,  alone,  and  He  is  All — 
Is  just  the  cursed  falsehoods  that  would  tear 
One's  true  self  from  its  union  now  with  good. 


56  the  king's  cupbearer 

Understanding 
(She  speaks   but  does  not  work  with  her 
hands) 
Ah,  yes!    One  must  abide 
Forever  at  one's  work  in  peace  to  know 
God's  law  aright.    To  conquer  self,  the  foe 
Of  progress,  one  must  build  high  unto  heav'n 
E'en  for  another's  good;  such  is  the  leav'n 
Of  understanding,  wisdom,  power,  might, — 
All  those  who  sit  in  darkness  see  this  light. 
Malchiah 
(building  the  dung  gate) 
There  is  so  much  to  cleanse  from  every 

thought, 
I  build  the  dung  gate.    All  that  I  have 

wrought 
Endures  forever. 

Shallum 
(repairing  the  gate  to  the  fountain) 
I  set  the  doors  of  this,  the  fountain  gate. 
God's  messengers  may  enter,  but  the  fate 
Of  those  who  come  to  rob  is  fixed,  indeed. 
No  one  may  enter  here  with  form  or  creed. 

Nehemiah 
(repairing     the    place     over    against     the 

sepulchre  of  David) 
My  friends,  Sanballat  hears  we  build  this 
wall ; 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  57 

The  news  has  spread  to  him.    "Ah,  it  shall 

fall!"— 
This  is  his  dire  foreboding.    We  abide 
Forever  at  this  task  until  we  know 
Those  in  captivity  are  saved  from  foe. 
Rehum,    Hashabiah,    Bavai,    and   Ezer 
(repairing  near  the  turning  of  the  wall) 
Never  was  work  more  welcome  hour  by 
hour, — 

Baruch 
Welcome,  because  it  proves  there  is  one 
pow'r. 

Meremoth 

(working  at  door — to  the  priests, 

the  men  of  the  Plain) 

Courage,  my  friends,  bear  up,  each  day  must 

bring 
Its  own  reward. 

Benjamin  and  Hashub 
{working  together) 
Friends,  let  our  hammers  ring 

(all  hammering  together) 
In  glad  applause. 

(joyous,  ringing  music) 

BiNNUi  and  Palal 
(hammering  together) 
No  enemy  can  ever  turn  us  back, 


58  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

The  Nethinims  and  Tekoites 
(working  together) 
Those  who  would  build  for  good  can  never 
lack. 

The  Priests 
(repairing  near  the  horse  gate) 
In  learning  meekness  here,  we  may  well  find 
No  man  upon  this  earth  shall  e'er  unbind 
Our  work. 

Zadok  and  Shemaiah 

(working  together) 

If  we  toil  on  with  love,  we  may  renew 

The  waste  walls  with  the  fortified. 

Hananiah,  Hanun  and  Meshullam 

(together) 

We  knew 
Those  shattered  walls  would  one  day  be  re- 
deemed ! 
Malchiah  (the  goldsmith's  son) 
This  broken  shaft,  it  must  be  strongly 
beamed. 

Goldsmiths  and  Merchants 
(working  together) 
Courage,  my  friends.  Together  we  build  well. 
(Their  tools  fall.    Ringing  noises.    The  eld- 
est daughter  of  Shallum  slips  behind 
each  worker  and,  picking  up  fallen  tools, 
restores  them  to  owners,) 


the  king's  cupbearer  59 

Eldest  Daughter  of  Shallum 
(handing  tools  to  men) 
Here  is  thine  hammer,  friend ; 
(to  another) 

thy  trowel  fell. 
Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
Beware,  my  friends,  one  cometh  in  disguise, 
A  messenger  of  foes. 

(to  another) 

Keep  well  thine  eyes 
Upon  thy  work. 

(to  all) 
Work  as  one  man,  work  on, 
Until  each  task  of  earth  is  fitly  done. 

(to  another,  encouragingly) 
Work,  till  each  task  of  thine  is  fitly  done. 

Understanding 
(Pausing  behind  a  worker  and  regarding  his 

work  and  tools  approvingly.) 
Be  not  afraid  of  thy  salvation,  friend ; 
Thy  tools  are  clean.    The  nail  thy  hands  doth 

send 
Strikes  always  to  the  mark. 
(to  another) 
This  task  of  thine 
Hath  turned  earth's  water  into  royal  wine 
Of  heav'n. 


60  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(to  another  worker) 
When  the  marriage  of  mankind 
Is  solemnized  in  work,  then  shalt  thou  find 
Love's  home,  and  Church,  Messiah's  heav'n, 
Mind. 

(Passing  to  another  worker,) 
I,  Understanding,  urge  thee  on,  these  walls  of 

thought 
Shall  be  constructed.     All  that  thou  hast 

wrought 
Must  ever  stand. 

(To  another  group,) 
Work  as  one  man,  work  on, 
Until  mankind  is  saved,  earth's  battle  won. 

(To  all,  as  if  in  prayer,) 
This  shall  be  Labor's  triumph  through  the 

years, — 

To  have  contentment  for  its  wage.    No  fears 

Can  e'er  assail  the  man  who  loves  his  task. 

He  shall  have  all,  yea,  more  than  he  can  ask. 

Nehemiah 

(tp  all) 

He  shall  have  kindly  service  for  each  need — 

This  shall  be  Labor's  reason.  Labor's  creed. 

"Be  not  ye  afraid  of  them:  remember  the 

Lord,  *  *  *  * 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  61 

And  fight  for  your  brethren,  your  sons,  and 

your  daughters, 
Your  wives,  and  your  houses." 

(Nehemiah  4:14.) 
For  I  am  Nehemiah,  the  King's  Cupbearer. 
And  God,  alone,  is  King  of  all  the  Earth. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  63 


CANTICLE  IV 


Jealousy  and  Dark  Forebodings 

Description:  A  village  of  the  Plain,  repre- 
senting a  low  order  of 
thought.  Everything  in 
chaos.  Rubbish  of  expen- 
sive materials  heaped 
about,  showing  carelessness 
and  sloth.  The  heat  of  the 
day. 

Discovered:  Sanballat,  governor  of  the 
Plain,  is  entering.  He  is  an 
idol  worshiper  and  carries 
with  him  a  ghastly  idol 
which  he  places  with  fool- 
ish awe  on  a  high  pedestal. 
He  is  a  short,  very  heavy 
man,  gaudily  overdressed  in 
ornate  colored  satin  robes 
and  much  jewelry. 
Sanballat 

(with  sinister  smile  to  the  messenger  who 
enters  with  him  at  L.) 


64  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

So  they  rebuild  those  walls — ^poor,  foolish 

Jews! 
(Laughs  a  loud,  derisive  laugh,  which  is 
really  no  laugh  at  all  but  merely  an  ani- 
mal ejaculation.) 
Bring  Geshem  here,  at  once ! 
(With  imperial  wave  of  large,  over-decorated 
hand  to  Messenger) 
Messenger 
(to  Sanballat) 
Aye,  Sir,  I 
Do  thy  bidding. 

(exit  Messenger) 
(Enter  Sensuality  at  L.  A  woman  of  de- 
ceitful expression.  One  who  has  reached 
maturity,  but  still  looks  artificially  young. 
She  is  dressed  in  flaming  red  velvet  and 
wears  many  jewels.) 

Sanballat 
(walking  across  to  the  woman  and  chucking 

her  rudely  under  the  chin) 
Sweet  lass,  thy  name? 

Sensuality 
(simpering  foolishly  into  Sanballat's  face) 
My  name.  Sir,  is  Sensuality. 
I  keep  mankind  in  grim  captivity. 
As  Personal  Attraction,  too,  I  come 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  65 

And  rob  mankind  of  work,  and  church  and 
home. 

Sanballat 

(eagerly  grasping  her  hands  until  the 
woman  fairly  winces  under  the  crushing 
handclasp) 

Hold,  woman,  I  have  work  for  thee  to  do ; 

Thou  shalt  destroy  each  foolish,  working 
Jew. 

Strange  how  I  always  find  the  help  I  need 

To  aid  me  in  the  sowing  of  sin's  seed ! 

(Sanballat  and  the  woman,  Sensuality, 
dance  briskly  about  and,  at  the  same  time, 
laugh  loudly  and  wickedly.  They  plot  to- 
gether. Enter  several  messengers.  Sen- 
suality breaks  away  from  Sanballat 
and,  as  if  giving  him  an  exhibition  of 
her  frivolity,  she  slips  quietly  from  one 
messenger  to  another,  leering  wickedly 
into  each  face,  while  she  hums  a  foolish, 
sentimental,  love  song.  As  she  is  singing, 
Geshem,  enters,  L,  He  is  a  tall,  heavy-set 
man,  wearing  the  costly  trappings  of  a 
ruler,  Sanballat  and  Geshem  regard 
the  woman  approvingly  as  she  sings. 
There  are  no  words  to  the  woman's  song. 
Clashing,  unrefined  medley.) 


66  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Geshem 
(after  Sensuality  has  ceased  dancing,  turns 

angrily  to  jSanballat  and  almost  howls) 
Why  have  ye  sent  for  me,  Sanballat,  pray? 
I  am  a  Governor! 

(With  vast  importance,  while  he  struts 
about  nervously,) 

This  busy  day. 

I,  too,  have  much  to  see  to,  much  to  do. 

Sanballat 

(in  low  tone) 

Didst  thou  not  hear  how  every  captive  Jew 

Strives   to    rebuild    the   walls   that   lie    so 

waste — 
The  waste  walls  of  Jerusalem?    Make  haste 
And  give  a  plan  to  outwit  all  this  task. 
Geshem 
(pondering) 
A  plan?    Tis  simple!    Let  me  think,  I  ask, 
One  moment. 

(Thinks  and  rubs  his  forehead,) 
Sensuality 
(interrupting) 
Let  me  go  to  them,  I  pray. 
Each  man  shall  bow  to  me.  Yea,  I  will  stay 
The  hands  of  those  who  work,  through  flat- 
tery. 
(Sanballat  and  Geshem  laugh  loudly,) 


the  king's  cupbearer  67 

Sanballat 
(delightedly) 
Poor  foolish  wench,  thy  wit  is  not  half  bad. 
Our  messengers  will  go  with  thee, 

(Summons  messengers,  who  flock 
about  Sensuality.) 

And  had 

We  other  emissaries — if  we  know 

Geshem 
(Interrupting) 

Each  Jew 
Must  be  restrained  from  work. 
Sensuality 
(thinking) 
If  we  know  of  any  others,  they  should  go. 

(to  Sanballat  and  Geshem) 
Dear  Sirs,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  bring 
My  sisters  and  my  brother.    Each  has  way 
Of  evil  fully  learned. 

Sanballat 
(interested) 
Thy  sisters?    Give  each  name, 
And  I  will  judge. 
And  name  thy  brother,  too. 
Sensuality 
(proudly) 
The  younger  one  is  Shame. 
The  elder  one  is  quiet,  she  is  Sleep. 


68  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

My  brother,  Creeds  of  Men, 
There  are  but  four  of  us,  yet  we  can  keep 
Each  Jew  from  toiling  further  on  his  task. 
Sanballat 
(to  Messenger) 
Bring  hither  her 

(indicating  Sensuality) 

two  sisters. 
And  her  brother,  too. 

Grim  Creeds  of  Men.    They  have  grave  work 
to  do. 

Sensuality 
(to  Messenger) 

Say,  I  ask 
Them  to  come  quickly.    We  have  work  this 

hour 
That  will  require  united  strength  and  power. 
(Messenger  departs  quickly  at  L.) 

Geshem 
(turning  to  servant  at  his  side) 
Go  thou  and  tell  those  Jews  who  toil,  that  we 
Desire  to  see  them  in  this  village  here; 
Tell  them  that  we  can  help  to  set  them  free ; 
That  we  would  talk  with  them.  Tell  them  to 

fear 
Not  to  come  hither. 


the  king's  cupbearer  69 

Sanballat 
(to  servant  at  his  side) 

Tell  the  Jews  the  Plain 
Is  waiting  for  them ;  that  the  ripened  grain 
And  fruit  of  all  our  kingdom  wait.    Ah  me, 
Why  should  they  for  those  in  captivity 
Still  toil? 

Both  Servants 
(together) 
We  go,  Sirs. 

Geshem 
(to  servants) 
Wait  until  the  four. 

These  sisters  and  their  brother  go  before 
To  mark  the  way  of  condemnation,  death. 
Yea,  let  them  go  and  rob  men  of  their  breath. 

(Enter  Shame,  Sleep,  and  their  brother, 
Creeds  of  Men.  They  quickly  embrace 
Sensuality.  Shame  is  dressed  in  deep 
black  and  walks  with  bowed  head  as  if 
fearing  to  look  up.  Sleep  keeps  her  eyes 
closed.  She  is  dressed  in  a  shadowy, 
vapory-like  gown.  Creeds  of  Men 
piously  mutters  a  meaningless  prayer, 
while  shaking  his  head  in  disapproval  of 
of  everything.) 


70  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(to  Shame) 
What  canst  thou  do,  thou  sad-eyed  woman, 

here? 

Shame 
I  follow  Sensuality.    Men  fear 
My  very  name.    I  am  Disease,  the  curse 
Of  sin   unfettered.     Couldst  thou  summon 

worse 
Than  I? 

My  name  is  Condemnation,  too.    I  stand 
A  cursed  lie  with  men  in  every  land ! 
My  brother.  Creeds  of  Men,  doth  rarely  speak 
Words  one  can  understand,  but  all  the  weak, 
And  sinning  ones  of  earth  he  doth  condemn. 
He  disapproves  of  all  the  sons  of  men. 
'Tis  strange  but  Creeds  of  Men  will  shake  his 

head. 
In  silent  disapproval  of  the  dead. 
The  ones  who  live  on  earth  he  knows  must  go 
For  punishment  through  lust  and  want  and 

woe. 
I,  Condemnation,  know  a  day  will  come 
When  Creeds  of  Men  will  leave  me, — ^then  my 

home 
Is  hell! 

Geshem 
(to  Sleep) 
And  thou,  frail  shadow,  canst  thou,  too. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  71 

Do  ought  to  hinder  any  working  Jew? 
Sleep 
(raising  languid  eyes) 
My  name  is  Sleep,  and  after  men  have  well 
Been  bound  in  chains  by  her, 

(pointing  to  Sensuality) 

and  her, 

(indicating  Shame) 

I  tell 
My  story  to  them,  promising  that  I 
Will  bring  forgetfulness.    I  close  each  eye 
Of  him  who  listens  to  me,  and  I  claim 
To  be  a  blessing,  but  my  very  shame 
Is  covered.    I  am  Inactivity. 
My  other  names  are  Death,  Inanity. 
Sanballat 
(laughing  loudly) 
Ha,  Ha,  I  see.  He,  He,  Ha,  Ha,  I  see! 

(Waving  them  on,) 
Go  forth,  ye  messengers  and  ladies  fair, 
And  speak  to  those  poor  working  Jews  o'er 

there. 
Bring  them  to  us,  or  cause  them  to  desist 
From  working. 

(Patting  Shame  on  shoulder) 
'Tis  true,  my  dear,  they  cannot  thee  resist! 

Shame 
I  am  the  condemnation  of  all  men. 


72  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

While  condemnation  lasts,  I  know  well  then 
I  am  secure,  but  when  it  is  no  more, — 
Ah,  how  I  shudder!    Then  the  open  door 
Of  death  and  hell  awaits  us. 

(indicating  Sensuality  and  Sleep) 

(Regarding  Creeds  of  Men  with  fear,) 
All  men  will  lose  their  cruelty  and  go 
Into  the  Temple  of  the  God  of  good. 
Then  Creeds  of  Men  shall  no  more  dare  to 

name 
These   hopeless   words,    sin,   condemnation, 

shame ! 
But  Creeds  of  Men  is  cruel,  ah,  we  should 
Make  every  use  of  him ! 

Geshem 

Let  Creeds  of  Men  now  speak! 

Creeds  of  Men 

(muttering) 

Fear,  sin,  hell,  heaven,  punishment,  want  and 

woe, 

Separation,  old  age,  care,  loss 

Sanballat  (interrupting) 
Go  forth,  go  forth,  go,  go! 

(To  Creeds  of  Men^ 
Ye  spoke  well.  Creeds  of  Men,  except  of 

heav'n. 
See  that  no  hope  of  heav'n  here  is  giv'n 
To  those  poor,  working  Jews. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  73 

Ye  muttered  heav'n  and,  yet,  ye  cannot  say^ 
That  word  as  if  ye  once  had  learned  to  pray. 
Bind  them,  hold  them,  and  drive  them  quickly 

here. 
Those  Jews,  through  flattery,  or  shame,  or 

fear. 
Go  forth,  go  forth,  go,  go. 
And  see  that  Shame  or  Condemnation  here 
Shall  watch  o'er  all  these  men  until  they  fear 
The  eyes  of  everyone  on  earth  below. 
Trust  Condemnation's  second  death  and  woe ! 
Go  forth,  go  forth,  go,  go ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  75 


CANTICLE  V 


A  Struggle  With  Self 

Description  :  Same  as  in  Canticle  III  except 
the   walls    are    nearly   re- 
paired. 
Discovered:    Nehemiah  and  all  the  work- 
ers at  their  tasks  on  the 
walls, 
(enter  First  Messenger) 
First  Messenger 
My  Lord,  Sanballat,  Governor  of  Plain, 
Hath  sent  me  to  thee.    He  would  once  again 
Hold  counsel  with  Cupbearer  of  the  King. 
(Endeavoring  to  lead  Nehemiah  away.) 
(Nehemiah  draws  back  as  if  refusing  to  go.) 
Sanballat,  sir, 

(insistently) 

has  counselled  me  to  bring 
Thee  to  him  that  thou  may'st  together  talk 
These  matters  over. 

(Nehemiah  draws  back.) 

No,  thou  need*st  not  walk. 
I  have  Sanballat's  chariot. 


76  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(All  workers  stop  working  on  the  walls  and 
listen  to  the  conversation  between  Nehe- 
MIAH  and  the  messenger,) 
Nehemiah 
But  I  am  doing  here  a  great  work.    Answer 

why 
This  work  should  cease,  the  whilst  I  go  to 

talk 
With  them? 

(Turning  back  to  his  work.) 
Tell  them  I  shall  ne'er  walk 
Nor  ride  to  them.    This  good  work  must  not 

cease ! 
(A  second  messenger  hurriedly  enters,  L.) 

Second  Messenger 
(as  if  pointing  to  the  Plain — to  Nehemiah) 
I  bear  a  message,  too;  I  bring  thee  peace, 
From  Geshem,  Governor,  my  Lord ; 
And  he  hath  sent  me  forth  to  bring  this  word 
To  thee.    Come  down,  he  begs  of  thee  to-day. 
And  talk  this  good  work  over,  and  the  way 
Of  progress. 

Nehemiah 
(firmly) 
Sir,  no  work  was  ever  done 
Through  useless  talk. 

Tis  better,  one  by  one. 
That  we  should  learn  to  work,  and  not  to  say 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  77 

How  we  have  worked.    I  cannot  come  today, 

Nor  any  other  time. 

{Turns  back  to  his  work;  all  begin  ham- 
mering together) 

(Enter  a  wondrously  beautiful  woman.  She 
is  Personal  Attraction.  Nehemiah  is 
working  earnestly  when  she  enters,  but 
he  immediately  becomes  excited  and 
confuted.  It  is  evident  that  he  is 
doing  poor  work.  All  the  time  he  looks 
admiringly  at  the  woman.  He  drops  his 
tools;  the  gate  he  is  hammering  into  place 
crashes  to  the  ground  and,  in  its  fall, 
tears  a  part  of  the  wall  away.  Neither 
Nehemiah  nor  the  woman  speak.  As  if 
delighting  in  her  conquest  and  Nehemi- 
AH's  failure  to  work  intelligently,  the 
woman  smiles  joyously  and  exits.  With 
a  disappointed  expression,  and  looking 
ever  toward  the  door  whence  Per- 
sonal AiTRACTiON  had  departed,  Nehe- 
miah wearily  takes  up  his  work.  Enter 
the  five  senses — Sight,  Touch,  Taste, 
Smell,  Hearing.  The  five  men  stand 
near  Nehemiah  as  if  to  encourage 
him  to  continue  his  work.  Again  the 
woman,  Personal  Attraction,  appears. 
She  is  more  beautiful  than  ever  in  a  robe 


78  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

of  shimmering  material,  Nehemiah 
gasps  delightedly  when  he  sees  the 
woman.  He  tries  to  return  to  his  work, 
hut  it  is  plain  that  his  work  disgusts  him, 
and  that  he  has  eyes  only  for  the  beau- 
tiful creature  who  stands  near  him.  The 
woman,  seeing  Nehemiah's  displeasure 
with  his  work,  laughs  joyously  and  de- 
parts. The  five  corporeal  senses  look 
heavenward  as  if  in  prayer.  Again  the 
woman  enters.  She  is  even  more  beautiful 
than  before,  having  thrown  a  rope  of  won- 
drous jewels  about  her  neck  and  a  fleecy, 
silken  shawl  upon  her  head.  When 
Nehemiah  sees  her,  he  ceases  work 
entirely  and  looks  unceasingly  at  the 
woman.  He  sits  down  on  a  pile  of  build- 
ing material.  The  five  senses  bring  him, 
first  a  hammer,  then  a  trowel,  then  a  joist. 
They  try  to  encourage  him  to  go  on  with 
his  work  but  he  refuses.  He  does  nothing 
except  to  stare  admiringly  at  Personal 
Attraction.  Finally,  Nehemiah  gives 
one  quick  glance  heavenward  as  if  in 
prayer.  At  once  the  spell  of  mesmeric 
attraction  is  broken.  In  a  moment* s  time, 
the  gleaming  robes  fall  at  the  woman's 
feet,  showing  an  ugly  creature  dressed  in 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  79 

sack-cloth.       The     five     senses     change 
again     to     beautiful     women.       Nehe- 
MIAH  rises  quickly  from  his  reclining  po- 
sition and  with  eager  joy  begins  his  work. 
He  intelligently  repairs  the  large  gap  in 
the  wall  caused  by  Personal  Attrac- 
tion's first  appearance.    Personal  At- 
traction, now  in  sack-cloth,  ugly  and  old, 
tries  to  keep  Nehemiah  from  working. 
She  goes  to  him,  attempts  to  seize  his 
hands  and  hold  him  with  her  gaze,  but 
her   efforts    are   all   in   vain.    Joyously 
Nehemiah  continues  to  work.) 
Nehemiah 
(to  the  woman) 
God  be  praised !  I  know  thy  heinous  name, — 
Tis  personal  attraction*,  lust  and  shame! 
Vain  sensuality  gives  naught,  indeed, 
Except  her  costly  garb  of  self.    Sin's  creed 
Is  always  getting.    It  has  naught  to  give — 
Who  follows  sensuality  shall  live 
No  more. 

Whene'er  thou  comest  first,  clad  in  the  flesh 
Of  costly,  vain  attraction,  ye  enmesh 
Thy  victims;  well  thou  keepest  them  from 
gain 


*  Wh?n  Nehsm^'ah    perceives    that  evil   is   impersonal,   the 
word  typifying  evil  is  not  capitalized. 


80  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Of  true  salvation  through  thy  crafty,  vain 

attentions. 
The  second  time  thou  com'st,  men  loathe  their 

work; 
Their  days  become  a  useless  drag ;  they  shirk 

all  honest  duty. 
The  third  time  thou  dost  come,  men  cease 

their  toil, — 
Thou  bind'st  upon  them  fetters,  coil  on  coil. 
The  world  of  useful  joy  would  pass  away. 
If  thou,  poor  foolish  creature,  hadst  thy  say ; 
But  as  men  lift  their  eyes  to  heav*n  and  pray, 
The  joy  of  work  comes  forth  into  the  light, — 
And  thou  art  then  a  monster  in  their  sight! 
Go  from  me,  woman,  never,  never  more 
Shalt  thou  appear  to  darken  my  own  door 
Of  thought.    My  daily  work  is  all  I  need ; 
My  work  is  my  attraction  and  my  meed 
Of  joy  and  peace  and  happiness  and  rest ! 

(as  he  pushes  the  woman  away) 
Woman,  for  me,  my  work  is  ever  best. 
(Discouraged  at  Nehemiah's  words,  Per- 
sonal Attraction  then  goes  to  the  other 
men.  One  by  one  they  drop  their  tools 
and  half  return  her  caresses,  Nehemiah 
alone  repulses  Personal  Attraction 
ea^h  time  she  returns  to  him.  He  con- 
tinues his  work.    Not  a  word  is  spoken. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  81 

Every  time  one  of  the  workers  drops  his 
tools  because  of  the  womarCs  caresses, 
the  daughters  of  Shallum  appear  and  re- 
store  them  to  the  idle  hands,) 
Personal  Attraction 
(in  final  attempt  to  gain  Nehemiah's 
attention) 
Come, 

(whispering) 

Come  with  me, 
I  will  give  thee  ease 
And  joy  and  gladness. 
Wouldst  thou  not  for  these 
Lay  down  this  heavy  anvil? 

(pointing  to  tool) 

Nehemiah 

(firmly) 

No,  for  I,  Cupbearer  of  the  King,  must  ever 

try 
To  do  my  best. 

Personal  Attraction 
(Gently  stroking  Nehemiah's  hands,) 
Thou  art  so  brave,  my  dear. 
It  is  thy  bravery  I  love. 

(Still  caressing  his  hands,) 
These  wondrous  hands !    How  they  have 

wrought ! 
Ah,  do  not  fear 


82  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

My  fond  caresses. 

(Nehemiah  brushes  her  aside  and  quickly 
begins  work  on  the  walls.  Personal  At- 
traction, seeing  that  it  is  useless  to  try  to 
win  Nehemiah,  softly  steals  again  to  the 
other  men,  who  are  watching  her  with 
jealous  glances.  Nehemiah  works  on. 
Personal  Attraction  flits  from  one  to 
another  and  casts  her  spell  over  each  of 
them  in  turn.  They  rapturously  return 
her  caresses.  Shame  and  Creeds  of  Men 
enter.) 

Shame 
(to  one  of  the  workers  who  has  been  holding 

Personal  Attraction  in  his  arms) 
My  name  is  Sister  Shame.  Each  working  Jew 
Shall  be  inactive.    Yea,  let  me  renew 
My  boast.    Not  one  shall  work,  for  I 
Shall  make  each  one  afraid.    Each  man  shall 

try 
To  shake  me  off ! 

I,  too,  am  Condemnation,  which  doth  hide 
Earth's  sensuality.    Tis  true,  this  wide 
World  dreams  not  yet  that  I  am  all 
That  hath  the  pow*r  to  bind  men  with  the 

thrall 
Of  death. 
{She  hovers  like  a  cloud  over  the  tired  work- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  83 

ers;  with  one  hand  she  summons  Sleep.) 
Come,  Creeds  of  Men ;  come,  Sister  Sleep, 
My  work  is  finished! 

(The  hands  of  the  men  drop  listlessly,) 

Now  I  pray  thee  keep 
These  hands  from  toiling,  and  these  eyes 

from  light. 
My  work  is  finished! 

(The  men  drop  their  heads  in  shame,  while 

Creeds  of  Men  shakes  his  head.) 

Creeds  of  Men 

Lead  to  blackest  night 
These  earnest  Jews. 

Hell,  hate,  want,  care,  separation,  loss,  grief! 

(Sleep  approaches  the  men.    They  reach  out 

their  arms  to  her  as  if  begging  her  to 

come  to  them.    They  yawn  stupidly  and 

sigh.) 

Sleep 
(surprised) 
I — I  have  naught  to  do! 
Shame,  Sensuality,  hath  bound  each  Jew! 
While  Creeds  of  Men  condemn  their  soul  to 

hell. 

Each  one  has  worked  so  valiantly  and  well! 

(They  all  nod  their  heads  in  sleep  except  the 

daughters  of  Shallum  and  Nehemiah, 

who  work  diligently  on.  The  eldest  daugh- 


84  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

ter  of  Shallum  approaches  Nehemiah. 
He  is  so  busily  engaged  in  work  that  he 
has  not  noticed  the  sleeping  tpilers,) 

(to  Nehemiah) 
The  Eldest  Daughter  of  Shallum 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Cupbearer,  awake  those  stupid  Jews  who 
sleep ! 

Nehemiah 
(regarding  the  sleepers) 
Our  God  shall  fight  for  us. 
Yea,  He  shall  keep 
Our  hands  from  idleness. 

(to  Daughters  of  Shallum) 
The  trumpet  sound! 

(Loud  blowing  of  trumpet) 

They  shall  awake ! 
(Men  begin  to  awaken,) 
Their  better  selves  when  found 
Shall  keep  them.    Daughters,  tell  them  they 

shall  be 

Both  male  and  female,  joyous,  sinless,  free. 

(Daughters  of  Shallum  go  quickly  and 

awaken  the  men  more  fully,  merely  by 

placing    the    workers*    own    discarded 

weapons  and  tools  in  their  listless  hands.) 

(All  the  men  arise,  look  about  in  startled 

manner  and  continue  the  work  quietly. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  85 

With  a  spear  in  one  hand  and  a  weapon 
in  the  other,  each  daughter  of  Shallum 
stands  back  of  every  group  of  men  as  a 
faithful  guard.  Enter  UNDERSTANDING.) 
Understanding 

Tell  them, 

(to  Daughters  of  Shallum) 
I  pray  thee,  each  with  servant  may 

At  night  lodge  in  Jerusalem.    The  way 

Grows  brighter.    Toilers,  we  are  not  afraid. 

God  hath  made  "good"  all  things  that  He 
hath  made. 

A  day  will  come  when  men  shall  no  more  fear 

Vain  sensuality.    Yea,  we  shall  hear 

No  cursing  and  no  condemnation  then. 

The  Father  knows  this  hour ;  it  shall  be  when 

Earth's  final  condemnation  for  sin's  lie 

Brings  no  more  sensual  curse. 

Stilled  is  the  cry  of  shame. 

Eemorse  and  fear  shall  not  be  heard. 

We  shall  have  no  more  sleep  or  death.  God's 
word 

Will  raise  the  dead,  and  silence  human  strife. 

When  condemnation  ceases,  all  is  Life. 
Nehemiah 

(Nehemiah  rises  suddenly,  as  if  with  in- 
spiration and  looks  searchingly  at  first 
one  messenger  and  then  another.     The 


86  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

outer  garment  each  messenger  is  wear- 
ing drops  away.    Exit  Creeds  of  Men.) 
This  messenger 

(indicating  Sanballat's  messenger) 

that  we  have  dreaded,  see! 
Is  Intuition  in  disguise;  was  she 
Not  Sight? 

Intuition 

The  ills  we  deem  dark  woes  may  be, 

When  overcome,  a  guide  to  lead  to  light. 

Nehemiah 

{shaking  second  messenger  until  outer 

covering  falls) 

And  this  one,  well  thou  know'st,  was  one  time 

Taste. 
Thou   art  not  Shame,   at  all,  thou  comest 

here 
To  teach  mankind  to  have  no  shame  nor  fear. 

Discernment 
And  now  I  am  Discernment. 
Nehemiah 

Thou,  indeed, 
Art  messenger  who  teaches  us  to  waste 
No  time  in  self-abasement. 

Discernment 
(as  if  holding  aloft  a  cup) 

Taste  of  life's  cup, 
Of  grief  or  joy,  let  not  this  chalice  pass ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  87 

Nehemiah 
{Looking  SENSUALITY  squarely  in  the  eye; 
her  outer  garment  falls,  revealing  a  beau- 
tiful woman,) 
Ah,  thou  art  Faith !    *Tis  true  thou  troubPst 

me 
So  long  to-day  as  Touch!    This  is  the  curse 
Of  all  earth's  curses,  mankind  fears  as  worse 
Than  Death.     The  touch  of  Touch  brings 

bitter  woe 
Because  it  claims  to  hold,  caress,  and  go 
From  life  to  death. 
Dear  Faith,  thine  hands  so  long 
Have   groped   for   satisfaction!      Now   the 

wrong 
Of  sensuality  can  no  more  bind. 
Blest  Faith,  thy  ways  are  ever  true  and  kind. 
Faith 
Yea,  I  am  Faith ! 
I  best  express  myself  by  giving  much 
To  all  mankind. 

Nehemiah 
('pondering) 
So  thou  wert  one  time  Touch! 
Can  this  be  why,  in  future  years,  there  is 
Destined  to  come  a  King  to  earth? — and  this 
Shall  be  his  message :    Purity  and  Peace ! 


88  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(as  if  prophesying) 
The  dead  are  raised  with  grateful  words  like 

these : 
"Father,  I  thank  Thee!"    Men  shall  even 

know 
The  garment's  hem  he  wears  shall  heal  their 

woe. 
If  they  but  reach  out  for  the  Truth,  they 

shall 
Be  freed  forever  from  the  galling  thrall 
Of  sensuality,  which  comes  to  bind 
Mankind  with  touch  of  finite  love. 
(to  all) 

We  find 
Our  freedom,  friends,  forever  as  we  give 
Our  all  of  gratitude  that  men  may  live. 
This,  then,  is  Faith, — forever  giving  all 
Of  selfless  love  to  free  men  from  the  thrall 
Of  darkness,  sickness,  sensuality, 
(eagerly  to  Faith)  .. 
Blest  Faith,  there  never  has  been  love  like 

thine, 
That  hath  supplied  earth's  marriage  feast 
with  wine! 

Understanding 
And  now  I  come  to  bless 
Earth  with  true  understanding. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  89 

Nehemiah 

Yea,  *tis  true, 

When  Understanding  comes,  men  will  con- 
fess 

That  human  goodness  cannot  heal  or  save. 
{to  Understanding,  tenderly) 

Thou  shall  redeem  mankind.  The  open  grave 

Of  self  is  powerless  to  ever  lure. 

When  Understanding  comes,  life  will  endure 

Forevermore. 

(For  a  long  time,  Nehemiah  regards  Sleep. 
She  does  not  change.  Sleep  constantly 
eludes  the  Cupbearer's  steadfast,  search- 
ing look.  While  Nehemiah  is  actually 
trying  to  "see  through'*  Sleep,  and  Sleep 
is  trying  to  evade  the  Prophet,  Hearing, 
now  Wakefulness,  dressed  in  loose, 
flowing  white  garments,  slips  quietly  into 
the  room,  and  takes  her  place  with  the 
other  four  guards  at  Nehemiah's  side. 
Sleep,  beholding  Wakefulness'  appear- 
ance, shudders  and  makes  quick  exit,  Ne- 
hemiah, turning,  beholds  Wakefulness, 
and  embraces  her  lovingly.) 

Brave  Wakefulness,  my  friend! 

Thou  art  the  friend  of  friends  which  God 
doth  send! 


90  the  king's  cupbearer 

Wakefulness 

(reassuringly,  to  Nehemiah) 

Blest  Cupbearer,  I  come  to-day  to  hear 

For  thee.    There  is  nor  pain,  nor  any  fear! 

Nehemiah 

(gratefully,  regarding  the  five  women) 

Ah,  this  one  here 

(holding  PFakefulness'  hand) 

is  friend,  indeed, — *tis  she, 
True  Wakefulness,  comes  to  us  now  that  we 
May  keep  awake  and  set  our  brethren  free. 
(At  this  moment,  heavy -eyed  Sleep  appears 
again,  L.     She  yawns  stupidly;  seems 
about  to  enter  but  is  apparently  afraid 
of  Wakefulness  and  Understanding.) 
Wakefulness 
(pointing  derisively  at  Sleep,  who  cowers  to 
the  ground  and  almost  creeps  out  of  sight) 
Sleep  hath  no  better  self.    She  hath  a  need 
To  hide  herself!     Death  is  her  cruel  creed. 
My  friend, 

(to  Nehemiah) 
there  yet  are  days  of  grief  and  woe 
When  death,  or  sleep,  will  try  to  make  thee 

go 
As  fettered  slave  to  hell — but  thou  shalt  see 
The  world's  great  need  of  immortality. 
And,  seeing  this,  thou  shalt,  indeed,  be  free ! 


the  king's  cupbearer  91 

Understanding 
Yea,  days  will  follow,  too,  when  Love's  high 

wall 
Which  doth  protect  a  world  shall  all  but  fall ; 
When  from  false  human  goodness,  thou  hast 

turned. 
The  world  and  thou  shalt  have  all  thou  hast 

yearned 
For  in  thy  endless,  selfless  search  for  good. 

(with  hands  uplifted) 
Then  I  shall  come,  and  all  is  understood. 
Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
Half  of  thee  hold  the  spears 

(to  the  women) 
Until  each  star  in  highest  heav'n  appears. 
While  half  shall  work. 

(To  the  men.    They  all  return  joyously 
to  their  work  on  the  wall.) 

The  way 
Grows  ever  brighter  to  us.    Father,  pray 
That  none  of  us  may  falter,  till  we  see 
Man  is  both  male  and  female,  deathless,  free. 
Understanding 
(As  if  in  prophecy,) 
I  see  on  earth,  in  long,  long  years  to  come. 
Half  of  thee  shalt,  indeed,  protect  the  home ; 


92  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER   ' 

While  half  shall  win  earth's  peace — this  is 

God's  will ! 
The  home  thou  shalt  protect  is  consciousness ; 
The  wakefulness  all  men  express  shall  bless 
This  earth-home  with  true,  patient  tender- 
ness. 
The  intuition  of  our  God  shall  be 
Made  manifest!    Blest  gratitude  shall  free 
Earth's  fettered  ones.     Yea,  Understanding 

is 
Prepared  to  lend  to-day  eternal  bliss. 
There  shall  be  no  more  war,  nor  hate,  nor 

strife 
Within  earth's  home  in  heav'n, — ^this  is 

life! 
From  human  goodness  each  must  turn  away 
And  find  eternal  life,  effulgent  day 
For   all    mankind.      Blest    Understanding's 

might 
Shall  make  all  nations  one. 
Nehemiah 
(reverently,  in  benediction) 

"Let  there  be  light!" 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  93 


CANTICLE  VI 


A  Struggle  With  Poverty  and  Greed 
The  Transfiguration  of  Capital 

Description  :  The  scene  is  again  as  in  Can- 
ticles III  and  V,  the  partly 
constructed  walls  of  Jeriju- 
salem.  About  six  weeks 
later  in  time  than  Canticle 
V. 

Discovered:  Groups  of  discontented  Jews 
standing  about  engaged  in 
angry  conversation.  Groups 
of  anxious  women  and  fret- 
ful  children.  The  women 
wearily  shift  baskets  of 
corn  and  wine  from  their 
arms  to  their  heads.  They 
sigh  disconsolately.) 
Shemaiah 
(discontentedly) 

We,  our  sons  and  daughters,  many  are! 

That  we  may  live,  we  take  up  corn  and  wine. 

Yea,  we  have  borrowed  money  from  afar 


94  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

That  this  work  might  proceed. 
Indeed,  our  fine 
Of  tax  is  great ! 

Wife  of  Shemaiah 

(sullenly) 

Why  should  this  work  go  on,  when,  day  by 

day. 
Our  debt  grows  larger? 

Meshullam 
(kicking  at  wall) 

We  have  naught  to  pay ! 

(Groups  of  angry  men  walk  about  and 

kick  at  walls  as  if  they  would  destroy  it.) 

We  have  encumbered  vineyards, — 

all  our  lands! 

Meremoth 
(fiercely) 
And  this  is  all  we  have! 

(Pointing  derisively  at  walL) 

My  very  hands 
Are  wearied. 

Bavai 
(peevishly) 
I  mortgaged  all  my  lands — I 
Have  naught  more. 

Wife  of  Bavai 
(weeping) 
I  know  it! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  95 

(rocking  back  and  forth) 

I  know  it!    Ah, 
I  weep  and  sigh 
But  no  one  cares. 

BiNNUI 
Yet  our  flesh  is  exactly  as  the  flesh 
Of  our  own  brethren,  our  children,  too, 
And  their  children.    Would  we  then  enmesh, 
Our  sons  and  daughters,  into  bondage? 
(Angrily  approaches  Nehemiah,  who 
alone  continues  to  build.) 

Jew, 
Speak  up !    Some  are  already  bought 
With  no  power  to  redeem 
(savagely) 

and  thou  hast  wrought 
This  mischief ! 

(At  one  side,  an  auctioneer  is  asking  for  bids 
on  the  children.  The  rulers  make  va- 
rious offers.) 

Nehemiah 

(rising  slowly  from  his  work  and  towering 

above  all) 

Not  as  they  seem 
Are  countless  ills  to-day. 
(Turns  to  messenger  and  summons  nobles 
and  rulers  who  are  engaged  in  bidding  on 
children.  They  crowd  about  Nehemiah.) 


96  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Men,  I  pray, 
Listen,  and  find  at  once  a  better  way 
To  meet  each  need.  Thou  dost  exact  in  whole 
Usury  of  thy  brethren,  and  thy  toll 
Is  death.    Our  brethren,  the  Jews,  redeemed 

shall  be, 
Not  in  some  far-off  time,  but  now  and  here. 
They,  sold  unto  the  heathen,  shall  be  free 
From  cursed  debt,  disease,  and  human  fear. 
(Shaking  his  clenched  fists  into  the 
faces  of  the  rulers,) 
And  wouldst  thou  even  sell  thy  brethren 
For  stupid  ease  ?  Quick,  answer  me,  my  men ! 
(There  is  a  long  silence.     The  rulers  and 
nobles  stand  with   bowed  heads,   as   if 
ashamed.) 
Shall  they  be  sold  for  us ;  canst  thou  not  say 
A  word — not  even  one?    There  is  none,  nay 
Not  one  to  e'er  condone  this  usury. 

(All  men  stand  with  heads  lowered.) 
(Nehemiah  walks  back  to  the  wall  as  if  his 
words  to   the  rulers  were  finished;  he 
picks  up  an  anvil  and  gives  a  few  ringing 
strokes,  and  then  suddenly  faces  about 
and  paces  his  way  back  to  the  silent  men,) 
"It  is  not  good  that  ye  do :  ought  ye  not 
To  walk  in  the  fear  of  our  God  because  of 
The  reproach  of  the  heathen  our  enemies? 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  97 

I  likewise,  and  my  brethren,  and  my  serv- 
ants, 
Might  exact  of  them  money  and  corn : 
I  pray  you,  let  us  leave  off  this  usury. 
Restore,  I  pray  you,  to  them,  even  this  day. 
Their  lands,  their  vineyards,  their  oliveyards, 
And  their  houses,  also  the  hundredth  part 
Of  the  money,  and  of  the  corn,  the  wine. 
And  of  the  oil,  that  ye  exact  of  them" 

(Nehemiah  5:9,  10,  11.) 
(A  long  silence.    The  women  are  standing 
beside  the  rulers  with  baskets  of  corn  and 
wine  half  extended  to  them.    The  rulers 
reach  out  their  hands  to  receive  the  baS' 
kets,  but  as  they  listen  to  Nehemiah's 
words,  their  empty  hands  drop  back  to 
their    sides.       Understanding     enters 
quietly  and  stands  close  to  Nehemiah.) 
Understanding 
(to  the  Rulers) 
Restore  to  all  earth's  laborers  the  gain 
Of  their  true  service.     Give  them  all!     No 

vain 
Percentage,  laid  aside,  can  give  thee  wealth. 
But  giving  all,  thou  shalt  find  peace  and 

health. 
In  years  to  come,  thou  shalt  have  all  to  give, 
Blest  Capital, — then  all  mankind  shall  live, 


98  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  love  and  work  and  rest  forever!    Aye, 
When  men  give  all  to  work,  eternal  day 
Shall  dawn. 

Shallum 
"We  will  restore  them,  and  will  require 

nothing  of  them ; 
So  will  we  do  as  thou  sayest." 

(Nehemiah  5;12.) 
Nehemiah 
(to  messenger) 
Go,  call  the  priests,  an  oath  we'll  take  of  this 
That  they  should  do  according  to  their 
promise. 

(Shakes  lap  as  if  emptying  it  of 

something,) 

"So  God  shake  out  every  man  from  his  house. 

And  from  his  labour,  that  performeth  not 

this  promise, 
Even  thus  be  he  shaken  out,  and  emptied." 

(Nehemiah  5:13.) 
Understanding 
In  years  to  come,  each  nation  shall  rejoice 
To  be  in  loving  debt  to  all.    Truth's  voice 
Shall  summon  to  the  warfare  of  the  earth 
The  sons  of  men  to  give  their  all.    The  worth 
Of  wealth   shall   then   be  known.    Wealth 
never  ends 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  99 

When  men  and  nations  dwell  as  neighbors, 

friends. 
In  lending  all,  one  still  has  all  to  give ; 
Giving  is  wealth  whereby  all  men  shall  live. 
All 
(together) 
Amen !  Praise  the  Lord !   God  be  praised ! 
Nehemiah 
(with  hand  uplifted) 
At  my  table  now  I  entertain 
One  hundred-fifty  Jews : 
The  fruit  and  grain 

Of  governors  we  eat  not.    Think  of  me, 
O,  Lord,  Thou  God  of  good.  Grant  that  I  be 
A  faithful  servant  till  this  wall  shall  stand 
A  worthy  tribute  to  our  Father's  hand. 
"Think  upon  me,  my  God,  for  good. 
According  to  all  that  I  have  done 
For  this  people" — (Nehemiah  5:19.) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  101 


CANTICLE  VII 


A  Desperate  Struggle  With  Self 

Description:  Showing  walls  completed  ex- 
cept doors. 
Discovered:    Nehemiah  stands  alone  look- 
ing at  the  opening  where 
doors  should  be. 
(Human  Goodness,  a  large,  florid  man,  a 
messenger  from  Geshem,  enters,  unob- 
served, and  stands  close  to  Nehemiah's 
side  while  he  works.    Self-Pity,  a  deceit- 
ful looking  man,  stealthily  follows.    He 
whispers  whiningly  into  Nehemiah's  ear 
as  he  works  while  Nehemiah  attempts  to 
brush  him  aside.) 

Human  Goodness 
My   name    is   Human    Goodness.     Ah,   my 

friend, 
I  never  hesitate  gladly  to  lend 
My  aid.    Geshem  commissions  me  to  say 
He  would  reward  thee  for  thy  work  to-day — 
Yea,  he  will  lavish  all  thou  e'er  could'st  ask 


102  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

For  having  carried  through  this  wondrous 

task. 
Come  down  to  Ono,  village  of  the  Plain, 
And  he  will  give  thee  lands  of  ripened  grain. 
I  gladly  lend  my  name  to  every  one 
Because  my  title  is  so  justly  won. 
Cupbearer,  if  jt  be  to  thee  the  same 
We  will  be  going  now. 

Self-Pity 

(to  Nehemiah) 

I,  I,  I,  I,  I,  I  do  suffer  so. 

I,  I,  I,  I,  want,  fear,  death,  pain,  hell,  woe ! 

(Taking  Nehemiah  by  the  arm,) 

Nehemiah 

(Striking  Self-Pity  as  if  brushing  aside  a 

troublesome  viper) 
Self-Pity  and  thyself  art  ever  one; 
Poor  Human  Goodness,  what  hast  thou  e'er 

done 
To  bless  mankind? 

(to  Human  Goodness) 
In  many  guises,  thou  shalt  come  to  me. 
Proud  Human  Goodness.     Till  the  world  is 

free, 
I  shall  encounter  thee  as  women,  men. 
As  creeds  and  nations.    Why  go  with  thee 

when 
I  know  thy  home  is  hell.    Why  go  with  thee  ? 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  103 

To-day,  thou  comest,  selfish,  greedy  men. 
Thou  next  will  come  as  women,  and  'tis  then 
I  must  be  on  my  guard.    Why  go  with  thee? 

Human  Goodness 
To  get  thy  full  reward.    Friend,  thou  shalt  be 
A  ruler. 

Nehemiah 
(firmly) 
I  have  reward.    None  can  tell 
Save  God  alone,  my  recompense,  how  well 
I  am  repaid. 

Human  Goodness 
But  it  is  fully  right 

That  governors  should  tell  thee  of  thy  might 
And  wisdom. 

Nehemiah 

(hands  raised  to  heaven) 

"Put  not  your  trust  in  princes,  nor  in  the  son 

of  man,  in  whom  there  is  no  help. 
His  breath  goeth  forth,  he  returneth  to  his 

earth ; 
In  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perish. 
Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for 

his  help. 
Whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord  his  God : 
Which  made  heaven,  and  earth,  the  sea,  and 
all  that  therein  is:  which  keepeth  truth 
forever."  (Ps.  146:3-6.) 


104  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(About  the  middle  of  the  Psalm,  Geshem'S 
dual  messenger,  Human  Goodness  and 
Self-Pity,  slowly  depart.  Nehemiah, 
alone,  again  turns  to  view  he  wall) 

Shiftlessness 
(sauntering  in,  walks  up  to  the  mortar  and 

looks  at  it  sneeringly — to  Nehemiah) 
What  is  this?    Ah,  mortar?    Then  why  mind 
Mixing  this  so? 
(Nehemiah  is  carefully  placing  in  the  lime,) 

Cast  it  in! 
(Knocks  Nehemiah's  elbow  so  that  the  lime 

slips  carelessly  in.    Laughs,) 
Cast  it  in! 

This  will  last  after  thou  art  dead  and  gone. 
Cast  it  in ! 

(jostling  shovel) 

Cast  it  in,  why  stand  alone 
For  such  exactness? 

(Nehemiah,  saying  nothing,  goes  to  the  wall 
and  carefully  measures  the  opening  of  a 
gate,  Shiftlessness  follows  him  and 
jeers  at  him,) 

Never  mind  measuring; 
Cast  it  in. 

(Nehemiah  picks  up  the  heavy  gate  which 
belongs  in  the  opening,) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  105 

Who  cares  how  it  fits? 
Ah,  bring 
Thy  talents  to  the  things  that  count, — ^this 

gate 
Is  merely  iron !    It  can  have  no  fate — 
Tis  lifeless  metal!     Though  it  fit  not,  why 
Shouldst  thou  then  care  ?    Why  shouldst  thou 

even  try? 
(Shiftlessness  saunters  about;  carelessly 
knocks  down  one  gate  after  another  and 
kicks  each  about.   Crashing  noises.) 
Nehemiah 
Ah,  shiftlessness,  we  two  have  met  before. 
Thou  may'st  leave! 

(points  to  exit) 

I  would  not  listen  more 
To  all  thy  foolish  prattle. 

(pushing  him  away) 

1  am  here 
To  do  my  best.    Thou  canst  not  interfere. 
Of  all  the  messengers  that  Geshem  sent 
Thou  art  the  one  whose  crookedness  hath  bent 
Men  from  the  line  of  rectitude.    Thy  ways 
Are  not  God's  ways.     For  this,  let  Him  be 
praised ! 

(exit  Shiftlessness) 
(Nehemiah  turns  again  to  the  wall.    An  of- 
ficious woman  enters  and  approaches  him. 


106  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

She  wears  a  very  anxious  expression.  She 
is  Idolatry.) 

Idolatry 
{looking  longingly  at  Nehemiah.    He  turns 
away  from  her  with  expression  of  annoy- 
ance and  hatred.  Nehemiah  drops  a  tool. 
Idolatry  picks  it  up  and  at  the  same  time 
breaks  a  very  valuable  tool  which  is  close 
at  hand.    Nehemiah  angrily  pushes  the 
woman  aside.    Idolatry  quickly  measures 
a  gate  for  him  with  no  degree  of  exact- 
ness.) 
I  idolize  thee,  friend.    This  work  ye  do 
I  would  do  for  thee. 

Nehemiah 
(much  annoyed — to  Idolatry) 
No!  (pushing  her  roughly  aside) .  Vain,  vain 
Idolatry.    Speak  not  to  me  again. 
(Nehemiah  continues  working,  but  at  every 
turn  Idolatry  interrupts  his  efforts  with 
over-solicitous  attention.    Firmly,  to  Ne- 
hemiah.) 
I  shall  not  give  thee  up!    Thy  angry  pride 

At  my  attentions 

Nehemiah 
(interrupting) 
Go  from  me!  (angrily).    This  wide 
World  surely  furnisheth  enough  of  space 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  107 

So  that  I  never  need  to  see  thy  face! 
I  loathe  thee!  I  despise  thee,  fiendish  curse! 
Of  all  sin's  leeches,  none  was  ever  worse! 
Idolatry 
{pleased  at  curses,  smiling) 
I  idolize  thee!    Nothing  thou  canst  say 
Shall  ever  turn  my  love  for  thee  away. 
Nehemiah 
(scornfully) 
Thy  love  for  me!   Thou  hind'r'st  all  I  do! 
Thy  love  for  me !    No  word  of  this  is  true ! 
Thy  useless,  harmful  hindrances  I  hate! 

Idolatry 
Ah,  I  am  used  to  curses.    Yea,  I  wait 

For  thy  attentions 

Nehemiah 
(interrupting) 
My  attentions!    No! 
Thou  shalt  have  none  from  me — thou  woman, 

go! 
(Idolatry  brings  a  heavy  mantle  and  wraps 
it  closely  about  Nehemiah  so  that  he  can- 
not lift  his  hands  to  his  work.  With  great 
effort,  he  casts  the  cloak  aside,) 
Idolatry 
(trying  again  to  wrap  the  mantle  about  Ne- 
hemiah, who  continues  to  cast  it  aside) 
Ah,  it  is  cold,  my  friend,  and  thou  shalt  be 


108  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Forever  blessed  and  comforted  by  me. 
I  am  Idolatry,  close  Family  Tie, 
I  shall  not  leave  thee,  dear,  till  thou  shalt  die. 
I  am  the  finite  love  of  those  who  fear 
For  thee.    I  shall  be  ever,  ever  near 
Thee  all  thy  life. 

(She  throws  her  arms  closely  about  Nehe- 
miah's  neck,  clinging  tenacioitsly  to  him) 
Nehemiah 
(with  agonized  expression,  lifts  his  eyes  to 
heaven  in  prayer.  He  makes  no  move 
to  shake  the  woman  from  him,  although 
he  shows  in  every  expression  his  longing 
to  be  free  from  her,) 

There  is  one  God,  above, 
Father,  I  thank  Thee  that  Thy  law  is  love. 
I  thank  Thee,  Father! 

Idolatry 
(loosens  her  arms  from  Nehemiah's  neck. 
With  surprise,  to  Nehemiah) 

Have  I  heard  aright? 
Thou  used  to  curse  me,  now  within  my  sight 
Thou  giv'st  thanks ! 

Nehemiah 

(unconscious  of  Idolatry) 

Father  of  love,  I  thank  Thee! 

Idolatry 

(as  if  determined  to  win  Nehemiah's  at- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  109 

tentions.    Peering  into  his  face) 
Dear,  dost  thou  see  me,  too? 
Give  me  thy  curses,  love,  pray  do,  pray  do ! 
Nehemiah 
(refusing  to  see  Idolatry) 
Who  is  so  great  a  God  as  the  One  good? 
With  Him,  alone,  all  things  are  understood! 
Idolatry 
(desperately) 
Hast  thou  no  curse  to  give  me,  dear?    My  life 
Is  nourished  with  vain  curses,  idle  strife. 

(pleadingly) 
Give  me  abuse!    Hatred  my  portion  is 
Since  time  began,  and,  ah,  I  feed  on  this ! 
Nehemiah 
(looking  heavenward) 
Who  is  so  great  a  God  as  God  in  heav'n? 
Idolatry 
(beseechingly) 
I  need  thy  curses,  dear,  let  them  be  giv'n 
That  I  may  live!    Idolatry,  indeed, 
Feasts  on  harsh  words.    Scorn  is  her  hourly 
need. 

Nehemiah 
(patiently,  looking  heavenward) 
Who  is  so  great  a  God  as  God  above, 
E'en  though  I  dwell  in  hell,  God  still  is  Love. 


110  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Idolatry 

(clinging  closely  to  Nehemiah) 

Ah,  I  am  sure  thou  need'st  me.    Dear,  I  know 

That  I  must  follow  thee  where  thou  wouldst 

go! 

Nehemiah 

I  thank  Thee,  I  can  see  but  God's  own  ways. 

For  all  Life  gives  me,  may  I  offer  praise ! 

Idolatry 

(weeping) 

Thou  praiseth  me?   (sadly)     Alas!     Praise 

me?    Me? 
I   shall   remain   with   thee   throughout  thy 

life— 
As  closest  family  tie,  as  mother,  wife. 
As  thine  own  sister,  I  shall  love  thee  so 
That  I  shall  keep  thee  e'er  from  pain  and 
woe! 

Nehemiah 

(firmly) 

That  which  God  gives  me  brings  nor  curse, 

nor  shame. 

For  all  God  sends  me,  may  I  praise  His  name. 

(Enter  Understanding,  followed  by  Human 

Goodness  and  Creeds  of  Men.) 

Understanding 

(to  Nehemiah) 

Thou  fearest  this  is  family!    Alas, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  111 

Thy  fears  are  vain  since  heav'n  and  earth 

shall  pass 
But  Love's  true  family  shall  stand  for  aye, 
O'er  this  frail  ownership  hath  no  more  sway. 
(When   Idolatry    hears    these    words,   she 

wails   and   clings   tenaciously   to   Nehe- 

MIAH.) 

Idolatry 
(to  Nehemiah) 
I  beg  of  thee  to  make  thy  home  with  me; 
I  shall  be  with  thee  ever,  thee,  thee,, thee! 
Creeds  of  Men 
(shaking  his  head) 
Alas,  this  is  his  family.    The  curse 
Of  ownership  is  true.    There  is  none  worse. 
Alas,  this  is  his  family ! 

Human  Goodness 
(drawing  herself  up  proudly) 
I  never  take  one  human  step.     I  find 
I  am  too  good  to  mingle  with  mankind. 
I  have  no  family! 

Understanding 
(to  Nehemiah) 
We  yet  shall  prove  to  all  mankind  the  worth 
Of  fam'ly.    All  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
With  Capital  and  Labor,  churches,  men. 
Shall  dwell  together.     Ah,  the  world  shall 
then 


112  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Be  wedded.    Then  this  very  earth  shall  rise 
To  dwell  within  Jerusalem.    Truth's  wise 
And  healing  word  foretells  that  Love  and 

good 
Unite  all  men — ^then  all  is  understood ! 
This  is  salvation,  Christian  unity, 
Love's  home,  and  Church,  yea,  this  is  family ! 
Idolatry 
(weeping  bitterly,  leaving) 
Base,  cruel  world,  that  will  not  grant  me  all 
The  curses  and  abuse  for  which  I  call. 
I  crave  for  these !    When  kindness  comes  I  go 
Back  to  idolatry,  and  hell,  and  woe. 
(Exeunt  Idolatry,  Human  Goodness  and 
Creeds  of  Men.) 
Nehemiah 
(with  bowed  head,  as  if  in  deep  thought) 
A  teacher  came  to  earth,  and  said  that  we, 
Earth's  toilers,  have  one  God  and  thus  are 

free; 
Thou  shalt  have  no  more  gods  than  One, 
saith  he. 
(Looking  up  as  if  wondering  where 
Idolatry  had  gone.) 
Idolatry  is  gone!    I  murmured  much 
At  her  attentions !    Ah,  I  loathed  her  touch ! 
(Idolatry  hearing  these  last  words,  again 
steps  forward  to  enter.    Beholding  UN- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  113 

DERSTANDING,  she  shudders  and  leaves. 
Idolatry  quickly  drops  back  from  en- 
trance.) 

Understanding 
Now  I  can  see  that  kindness  changed  to  wine, 
Earth's  water.    God  be  praised!     0  let  not 

mine 
Iniquities  be  called  to  mind!  In  deed 
And  word,  let  me  be  thankful  that  Love's 

creed 
Is  never  murmuring,  nor  vain  abuse. 
O,  may  I  have  one  God,  and  rightly  choose 
Whom  I  shall  serve.    One  God  is  All-in-all, 
And  God  is  Love!    Father,  on  Thee  I  call 
To  save  me  from  each  hindering  thought  of 

fear. 
There  shall  be  no  more  pain ;  no,  nor  one  tear 
Of  woe,  as  we  remember  God's  great  love 
Meets  every  need  in  earth  and  heav'n  above. 

(Enter  Human  Will.  At  first  sight,  he  ap- 
pears to  be  a  very  small  man,  but  he  in- 
creases constantly  in  size  as  he  speaks. 
Human  Will  is  accompanied  by  his  son, 
Dishonesty,  and  his  daughter,  Greed. 
Dishonesty  is  very  cowardly  in  appear- 
ance.   Greed  is  large  and  florid.) 


114  the  king's  cupbearer 

Human  Will 

(breathlessly  to  Nehemiah) 

This  will  not  do!    Come,  come  with  me,  my 

friend, 
Thou  must  come  now.    I  say  so.    Wherefore 

bend 
Thy  back  in  labor  when  I  summon  thee? 

(Nehemiah  is  fitting  a  gate  in  place,) 
Not  there !    Not  there ! 

(Indicating  disapproval  of  placing  gate 
in  that  opening.) 
Come  with  me  now.    Why  be 
So  earnest? 

(Human  Will  takes  Nehemiah  by  the 
shoulder  and  pushes  him  about.) 

Go  there ! 
(pushing  him  to  another  place) 

Go  on  (pushing  him)  Go! 
I  said  there!     (angrily)  Not  there!    There! 

There!    No, 
Not  there! 
(Pushing  Nehemiah  about,  Human  Will 

appears  to  be  utterly  exhausted.) 
Not  there!     (wearily)     I  said  so!     (Very 

wearily)    I — said — so. 
(Dishonesty  is  attempting  to  displace  good 
building  material  with  defective  timbers; 
good  stones  with  mere  lumps  of  sand 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  115 

which  fairly  crumble  away.    Greed  /wis- 
tens  about  and  picks  up  bolts,  nails,  tools 
and  many  other  valuables  and  hides  them 
in  her  flowing  sleeves.) 
Nehemiah 
Mark  thy  dishonest  children,  mark  the  greed 

{pointing  to  Greed) 
And  avarice  of  her,  and  mark  the  need 
Thy  son,  Dishonesty,  hath  now  to  go 
With  wiser  vision  or — 

(Dishonesty  stumbles  and  falls  ) 
Human  Will 
(turning  to  his  children) 
Ah,  I  did  not  know 

She  (pointing  to  Greed)  was  a  thief,  a  rob- 
ber; ah,  ah,  me! 
And  he  (pointing  to  Dishonesty)  deceitful, 
crafty,  tell  me,  can  it  be? 
(Dishonesty  picks  himself  up.  Human 
Will  weeps.) 
Nehemiah 
Thy  name  is  human  will.    Should  I  not  know 
Thy  falsity?    Hast  thou  not  led  me  on 
O'er  crag  and  fen  of  self,  in  days  long  gone? 
I  know  thy  name. 

(Human  Will  still  weeps  bitterly.    His  two 
children  steal  quietly  from  the  stage.) 
I  know  the  weariness 


116  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Of  thy  poor  counsels ;  yea,  thy  faithlessness ! 
Of  all  his  messengers,  Sanballat's  curse 
Hath  never  made  of  villany,  a  worse 
Than  thou.     I  know  thee,  human  will;   I 

know 

I  know  thy  wretched  leadings — Go,  Go,  Go! 

(Human  Will  continues  to  weep.) 

Human  Will 

(to  Nehemiah) 

I  shall  abide  with  thee,  here,  here,  now,  now, 

Until  thou  goest  with  me,  thou,  thou,  thou, 

thou! 

(with  feigned  gentleness) 
I  do  not  want  my  way ;  come,  thou,  with  me. 

Nehemiah 
False  meekness,  human  will,  thou  dost  as- 
sume, 
Since  in  thy  scheming  heart  thou  hast  but 

room 
For  self.    Father,  Thy  will  be  done! 
(At  these  words,  Human  Will  falls  at 
Nehemiah's  feet) 

With  Thee. 
I  go  where  Truth  directs.    Yea,  I  am  free 
To  go  where  Love  commands!     Yea,  there 

dwell  I, 
As  God's  own  image. 


the  king's  cupbearer  117 

Human  Will 
(looking  up  from  the  ground) 

Come  with  me.    Oh,  why 
Not  go? 

Nehemiah 

(resolutely) 

I  go  where  God  directs  the  way. 

No  human  will  can  have  the  power  to  say 

Where  I  should  go,  or  where  my  work  shall 

be; 
The  God  in  heaven,  alone,  instructeth  me. 
(Human  Will  appears  to  completely  flatten 
out  on  the  ground  at  Nehemiah's  feet. 
He  is  wholly  exhausted  and,  in  his  ex- 
haustion, his  tongue  protrudes  as  if  he 
were  fairly  eating  the  dust  of  the  earth.) 
Thou  art  sin's  serpent,  doomed  to  eat  the  dust 

(Human  Will  is  creeping  away) 
Of  cannot,  do  not,  shall,  and  will,  and  must. 

Human  Will 
(muttering  to  himself  as  he  creeps  away) 
I  shall,  I  will,  I  can,  I  must  now  go 
Back  to  perdition,  human  will  and  woe. 

Nehemiah 
(as  if  prophesying) 
One  comes  in  future  days  to  do  God's  will. 
(as  if  beholding  someone  present,  radiantly) 


118  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

He  stills  earth's  tempests  with  Love's  "Peace, 
be  still!" 

{As  these  last  words  are  spoken,  Human 
Will,  silenced,  exits  by  creeping  away.) 

(Enter  Personality.  He  is  a  very  large, 
clumsy,  awkward,  pompous  man.  He  is 
constantly  tripping  as  if  over  himself,  and 
falling.  He  stands  before  Nehemiah,  who 
is  working,  and  suddenly  falls  before  him, 
Nehemiah  in  turn  stumbles  over  Per- 
sonality, but  does  not  fall.  Each  time 
Nehemiah  stumbles  and  makes  a  mis- 
step,  some  of  his  good  work  is  over- 
turned,) 

Personality 

Here  am  I !    See  me !    Here  am  I !    See  me ! 

Here  am  I !    Can  it  be,  can  it  be 

Thou  dost  not  see  me? 

Nehemiah 

(stumbling  over  Personality,  but  not 

falling) 

I  detected  thee ! 

(Personality  repeatedly  places  himself  in 
Nehemiah's  way,  but  each  time  the  Cup- 
bearer sees  the  impostor  and  quickly  steps 
aside  to  avoid  falling  over  him.) 


the  king's  cupbearer  119 

Personality 

(exultingly) 

Why  step  aside  for  me?    Thou  art  afraid! 

Nehemiah 

(firmly) 

Ah,  no,  God  made  all  things  that  were  made ! 

Personality 
God?    I  (indicating  himself)  am  creator,  I 

am  wondrous,  I 

Nehemiah 
(interrupting) 
Thou'rt  false  from  the  beginning,  yea,  sin's 
lie! 

Personality 
Thou  callest  me  false,  then  I  shall  go.    Not 

here 
May  I  remain!    I  must  have  awe  and  fear! 
(Personality,  much  offended,  rises  majes- 

tically  and  exits) 
(Enter  Human  Ease,  a  large,  very  fleshy 
woman.     She  goes  straight  to  the  gate 
Nehemiah  is  working  on,  and  reclines 
wearily  upon  it.    She  sighs,) 
Nehemiah 
(to  the  woman) 
Begone ! 

(Human  Ease  sighs  and  rests  more  easily 
on  the  gate.) 


120  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Begone ! 
(Human  Ease  sighs  wearily  and  refuses  to 

move.) 
What  {peering  into  the  woman* s  face)  is  thy 
name,  pray  tell? 

Human  Ease 
My  name  is  Human  Ease. 

(Nehemiah  tries  to  move  her.) 
With  me,  'tis  well, 
Why  should  I  move?    I  like  it  here — ^to  rest 
Is  my  one  business, — that  is  ever  best ! 

Nehemiah 
(Laughs  long  and  joyously.     Continues  to 
work  while  he  laughs  happily.     Human 
Ease   sighs,   and  sighs, ,  and   looks   dis- 
turbed over  Nehemiah's  laughter.) 
Human  Ease 
Why  dost  thou  work  and  laugh?    Why  work? 

Alas! 
(She  rises  wearily  from  her  couch  of  build- 
ing material  and  appears  much  annoyed  as 
Nehemiah  continues  to  work  and  laugh.) 
I  cannot  live  with  work! 

(Brushing  wearily  past  Nehemiah.) 
Knave,  let  me  pass! 
(exit  Human  Ease) 
(Enter  Enemy.    He  has  almost  the  exact  ap- 
pearance of  Nehemiah,  except  his  care- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  121 

less,  insincere  manner.  He  creeps  stealth- 
ily about  and  wickedly  tries  to  undermine 
all  of  Nehemiah's  work.  Several  loud 
reports  indicate  that  powder  explosions 
are  going  on.) 

Nehemiah 
Thou  cursed  fool!    Thou  Enemy  of  mine, 

(trying  to  push  Enemy  away) 
Why  dost  thou  come  to  ruin  all  my  days — 
Thou,  hypocrite,  thou  traitor,  coward,  knave, 
I  loathe  thy  very  face! 

Enemy 

Hold,  sir.    Pray  save 
Thy  curses! 

Nehemiah 

Curses? 
(as  if  questioning  himself) 

Curses?    What  are  they 
To  drive  this  Enemy  of  mine  away? 

(looking  closely  at  Enemy) 
Where  have  I  seen  that  face,  that  cruel 

smile? 
(seizing  Enemy  and  shaking  him  vigorously) 
I  know  thee  now. 

(rubbing  his  eyes) 

Blinded  was  I  a  while 
To  whom  thou  wert.    Thou  hast  my  very  face 
With  fear^s  contortions. 


122  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(Enemy  makes  ugly  grimaces) 
(Nehemiah's  hands  raised  as  if  in  prayer) 
Give  me  strength  and  grace, 
Father,  ever  to  knov^  my  enemy- 
Is  but  the  fear  of  self  mine  own  eyes  see. 
Ah,  enemy, 

(to  Enemy) 
I  truly  know  that  thou 
Hath  counterfeited  me.     Go!     Now,  now. 
Now! 

(exit  Enemy) 
(A  woman,  dressed  in  many  dull  colors,  car- 
rying a  long  cloak,  enters.  She  is  Hu- 
man Goodness.  She  is  followed  by  Self- 
PiTY.  Human  Goodness  slowly  ap- 
proaches Nehemiah,  and  raising  his  cal- 
loused hands,  looks  at  them,  and  shakes 
her  head  pityingly.) 

Human  Goodness 
I  cannot  give  my  name.    I  came  from  one 
Who  tells  me  of  the  marvels  thou  hast  done. 
And  not  one  Jew  hath  praised  thee ! 
(She  takes  Nehemiah's  hands  very  tenderly 
in  her  own  and  gently  rubs  her  hands 
over  them,  as  if  feeling  their  callouses.) 
Self-Pity 
(to  Nehemiah) 

Poor  hands,  true, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  123 

Toiled  long,  in  vain,  for  not  one  grateful  Jew 

Hath  stayed  to  bless  thee !  Tobiah  says  that 
he 

Would  give  thee  his  thanks  in  sincerity. 

Poor  hands!    Poor  hands! 

(Human  Goodness  continues  to  rub  Nehe- 
miah's  hands.  For  a  moment,  he  almost 
weeps,  but  quickly  recovers  himself,  and 
snatches  his  hands  away.) 

Nehemiah 
(peering  into  Human  Goodness'  face) 

What  is  thy  name?  Where  have  we  met  be- 
fore? 

Thou  hast  annoyed  me  much  in  days  of  yore ! 

In  countless  guises,  woman,  thou  art  near 

Me  ever. 

(as  if  discouraged) 
Need  I  thy  temptations  fear? 

Thou  comest  in  the  guise  of  every  curse. 

Pitying  myself  and  others.  Is  there  worse 
than  thou  ? 

"I  am  doing  a  great  work,  so  that  I  cannot 
come  down: 

Why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave  it, 

And — come — down — ^to — you  ?" 
Human  Goodness 

But  thou  shouldst  have  reward.  Thou  toiFst 
but  they, 


124  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Those  Jews  (scornfully),  are  neither  grate- 
ful nor  obey 

Thy  word. 

Self-Pity 
(to  Nehemiah) 

I,  I,  I,  I,  I,  I  do  suffer  so, — 

Hell,  want,  pain,  death,  grief,  hate,  sin,  woe! 
Nehemiah 

(almost  assents,  but  quickly  turning  away 
from  Self-Pity  for  a  moment,  regards 
his  work  on  the  wall.  Again  turning  to 
Self-Pity.) 

What  is  thy  name?  Where  have  we  met  be- 
fore? 

Thou  hast  annoyed  me  much  in  days  of  yore. 

(Turning  again  to  the  wall,  he  disregards 
both  the  women,  andfiegins  measuring,  as 
he  intones  these  words  from  Psalm  78:) 

"Give  ear,  0  My  people,  to  My  law : 

Incline  your  ears  to  the  words  of  My  mouth. 

I  will  open  My  mouth  in  a  parable : 

I  will  utter  dark  sayings  of  old : 

That  the  generation  to  come  might  know 
them, 

Even  the  children  which  should  be  born ; 

Who  should  arise  and  declare  them  to  their 
children." 

(In  the  midst  of  the  intonation  of  this  Psalm, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  125 

Human     Goodness,     weeping     bitterly, 
stands  before  Nehemiah.) 

Human  Goodness 
{to   Nehemiah,   wrapping   about   her   the 

dark  cloak  she  carries) 
Let  me  be  hidden!    I  did  not  intend 
To  give  my  name.  I  came  disguised  as  friend, 

(weeping) 
But  I  am  deadly  foe.    Yea,  oft  before 
I  have  annoyed  thee  in  the  days  of  yore. 
I  come  oftimes  to  pity,  oft  to  blame. 
I  come  as  grief  and  sin  and  hate  and  shame. 
I  hide  the  form  of  every  curse  on  earth. 
(Human  Goodness  and  Self-Pity  exeunt) 

Nehemiah 
(kneeling) 

Woman,  thou  hast  no  purpose  and  no  worth ! 

God  be  praised !    Magnify  His  holy  name ! 

Once  more.  Thy  servant  is  redeemed  from 
shame. 

(Nehemiah  continues  his  work.  Enter 
Wakefulness,  Intuition,  Discern- 
ment, Faith  and  Understanding.  With 
hands  raised  as  if  blessing  Nehemiah, 
all  leave.) 

(Enter  a  shrunken,  fearful  man,  Lo\^  OF 
Money,  leaning  heavily  on  the  arm  of  a 


126  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

still  smaller,  shrunken  woman,  Limita- 
tion.   She  is  blindfolded.) 
Love  of  Money 
{to  Nehemiah) 
Here,  listen  to  me  !    I  have  much  to  say, 
This  is  for  thine  own  good.    I  have  a  plan 
For  earning  money  quickly,  and  a  man 
Like  thee  would  do  so  well,  so  well  for  me ! 
Come  with  me,  I  can  truly  make  thee  free. 
(Limitation    interrupts,    while    Love    of 
Money  slaps  her  rudely  in  the  face,) 
Limitation 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Thou  shalt  lose  all  as  I  do,  day  by  day, 
I  toil  and  scrimp,  and  wear  my  life  away. 
Love  of  Money 
(eagerly,  to  Nehemiah) 
I  have  an  income  I  will  give  to  thee. 
Gold  in  abundance,  so  thou  need'st  not  be 
Fettered  by  weary  toil.    Activity 
And  thou  shalt  part.    Until  ye  die,  indeed. 
Thou  shalt  have  money  for  each  daily  need. 
(The  little  man  walks  nervously  about  as  he 
speaks,    always    dragging    the    woman. 
Limitation,  with  him.    He  is  constantly 
taking  papers  and  gold  from  his  pockets 
that  he  may  figure  up  the  total  of  his 
wealth.    He  appears  disturbed  over  the 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  127 

process,  ill-at-ease  with  himself  and  the 
world.) 
There  is  so  much  to  gain, — notes,  bonds, 

yea,  all 
Of  lands  and  houses,  mortgages! 
(eagerly) 

I  call 
On  thee  to  help  me  with  this  mighty  work. 
(Love  of  Money  takes  Nehemiah  command- 
ingly  by  the  arm  as  if  he  would  lead  him 
away,    Nehemiah  draws  back.) 
Limitation 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Yea,  thou  must  fail  him.    Thou  must  even 

shirk 
The  duty  each  wouldst  grasp  to  earn — ^to 

earn. 
(Love  of  Money faA^es  quantities  of  gold  from 
apparently    inexhaustible    pockets    and 
heaps  the  treasure,  alluringly,  about  Ne- 
hemiah's    feet.    Nehemiah    makes    as 
if  he  would  turn  away  from  the  gold, 
but  is  almost  unable  to  do  so.) 
Love  of  Money 
Dost  thou  shrink  back,  dost  thou  not  yearn, 

not  yearn 
For  this? 

(pointing  to  heaps  of  gold) 


128  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 
(hesitatingly,  addressing  himself) 
This  mortar,  and  these  joists,  I  know 
Must  yet  be  paid  for ! 

(Nehemiah  reaches  out  for  the  money. 
Darkness  falls  as  he  is  struggling  over 
the  heap  of  gold.  Love  of  Money  holds 
him  closely  by  one  hand,  Limitation  by 
the  other.  He  is  powerless  to  move.) 
To  pay  (hesitatingly)  as  I  go, 
Is  all  I  ask! 

(as    if    justifying    himself;     Limitation 
sneeringly  approves) 
(to  Love  of  Money) 
God  knows,  God  knows,  this  gold 
Hath  no  attraction  for  me,  but  I  hold 
It  precious — ^just — ^to — ^meet 

(as  if  trying  to  convince  himself) 

my  daily  need. 
(Daily  Human  Needs  come  flocking  in. 
Darkness  creeps  on,  Nehemiah  hesitat- 
ingly reaches  out  his  hands  to  the  gold. 
While  the  darkness  deepens,  he  may  be 
seen  walking  in  the  shadows  away  from 
the  gold,  and,  as  he  walks,  he  prays. 
Love  of  Money  snatches  up  the  coin  and 
carries  it  to  a  position  near  the  entrance. 
At  this  moment,  the  scene  again  becomes 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  129 

ds  bright  as  morning.    Understanding 
enters.) 

(Love  of  Money  beckons  alluringly 

Understanding 

(to  Nehemiah) 

One  comes  in  future  years  whose  every  deed 

Shall  prove  the  Father's  infinite  supply 

Doth  meet  each  hourly  need. 

Nehemiah 

Then  why  should  I 
E*er  falter  in  this  work  when  God,  alone, 
Doth  pay  for  every  joist  and  beam  and  stone? 

Limitation 
I  have  no  money.    I  have  naught  to  pay. 
I  toil  and  scrimp,  and  wear  my  life  away ! 
(Nehemiah  stands  as  if  in  prayer.    A  flock 
of   creditors,    representing,    collectively, 
Daily  Human  Needs,  come  hastening  in 
presenting  their  bills  for  payment.    Be- 
holding Love  of  Money  with  his  heaps  of 
gold  standing  at  entrance,  the  creditors 
believe  him  to  be  Nehemiah's  steward; 
and,  quickly  depositing  their  bills,  they 
snatch  up  Love  of  Money's  money  and 
depart,  each  one  saying  as  he  leaves) 

Daily  Human  Needs 
"Thou  shalt  not  lend  upon  usury  to  thy 


130  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

brother ;  usury  of  money,  .  .  .  usury  of  any- 
thing that  is  lent  upon  usury." 

(Deut.  23:19.) 

Love  of  Money 
(beholding  that  his  riches  have  suddenly  dis- 
appeared, despairingly  to  Nehemiah) 
'Twas  mine,  'twas  mine,  'twas  mine,  and  now 

'tis  lost — 
Think  of  the  endless  toil  it  cost,  it  cost! 
(Cries  out  loudly  while  looking  where  his 
heaps  of  gold  had  been,) 

Nehemiah 
(compassionately) 
Poor  love  of  money,  thou  art  richer  now 
Than  thou  hast  ever  been. 

(Love  of  Money  shakes  his  head.) 
Yea,  now ;  yea,  thou ! 
Thou,  hast,  indeed,  no  money  now  to  love, 
Yet  God  hath  riches  that  ye  dream  not  of. 
(Going  with  tender  compassion  to  Love  of 
Money  and  embracing  him.    As  Nehe- 
miah embraces  Love  of  Money,  Limi- 
tation creeps  under  Love  of  Money's 
long,  flowing  cloak  and  is  lost  from  view.) 
Dear  outcast,  let  me  even  call  thee,  friend. 
Let  this  be  thy  new  name,  and  let  me  lend 
Thee  all  I  have, — a  thought,  a  word  of  cheer. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  131 

Friend,  may  Love  bless  thee  on  thy  journeys 
here. 

Grim  Limitation,  too,  is  lost.    Though  she 

May  seek  to  cling,  she  is  no  part  of  thee. 

(Limitation    drops   away   from   Love    of 
Money  and  exits.) 

Robbed  of  the  useless  dross  thou  hadst,  I  see 

(peering  closely  into  Love  of  Money's  eyes) 

Thine  eyes  are  bright  with  immortality. 

Such  are  thy  riches,  gold, — the  light  of  youth, 

(Love  of  Money  straightens  up;  appears 
youthful  and  happy.) 

Love  in  abundance,  yea,  the  gain  of  Truth. 

Ah,  friend,  the  harvests  mortals  daily  glean 

From  their  earth's  losses !  None  hath  surely 
seen 

More  wondrous  wealth  than  this!     My 
friend,  my  friend, 

Thou  hast  lost  all,  and,  yet,  hast  all  to  lend ! 

(Nehemiah  and  his  Friend  shake  hands. 
Exit  the  Friend,  formerly  Love  of 
Money.  Nehemiah  steps  forward — with 
hands  outstretched — while  Understand- 
ing speaks.) 

Understanding 

Ah,  World,  when  Love  of  Money  comes,  the 
light 

Of  heav'n  fades,  and  falls  the  darkest  night 


132  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Of  self.    When  Love  of  Money  goes,  the  way 

Grows  ever  brighter  till  effulgent  day 

Of  Truth  hath  dawned.    Then,  never  human 

need 
Shall  reach  us,  since  the  Father  hath,  indeed, 
Met  every  one  abundantly!    Ah,  World, 
For  centuries  thou  shalt  be  cast,  yea,  hurled 
Within  the  maelstrom  of  earth's  search  for 

dross. 
From  self  thou  shalt  be  cleansed,  until  nor 

loss 
Nor  gain  shall  mar  thy  journey ings.    Ah, 

World, 

(ds  if  in  prophecy) 
Thou  shalt  have  all !    God's  ensign,  then,  un- 
furled 
Shall  make  of  thee  one  nation,  strong  and 

free. 
Provisioned  with  Truth's  immortality. 
No  limitation  shall  men  find  on  earth. 
Worlds  shall  awaken  to  the  wondrous  worth 
Of  giving  all.    Worlds,  reasoning,  shall  find 
There  is  one  law,  one  Substance,  yea,  one 

Mind. 

Nehemiah 

(in  prayer) 

"Thou  gavest  also  thy  good  spirit  to  instruct 

them, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  133 

And  withheldest  not  thy  manna  ,from  their 

mouth, 
And  gavest  them  water  for  their  thirst." 

(Nehemiah  9:20.) 

(Nehemiah  continues  his  work  on  the  walls. 
Hurry  comes  in  running.    Dashes  about 
stage,  breathing  excitedly.    Rushes  up  to 
Nehemiah,   and  knocks   over   the  gate 
which  he  slowly  and  carefully  is  fitting 
into  place.) 
(Nehemiah  looks  curiously  ai, Hurry  as  he 
is  dashing  madly  about  from  one  thing  to 
another,) 
There  is  no  need  for  hurry.    Ah,  I  know 
Thy  name.    Tis  hurry,  worry,  lack  of  time! 
There  is,  indeed,  no  reason,  no,  nor  rhyme 
In  thy  existence.    If  thou  wouldst  not  waste 
Thy  days,  remember,  hurry  hinders  haste. 

Hurry 

(grabbing  Nehemiah  by  the  arm  and 

pushing  him  around) 

Ah,  friend,  the  time  is  short.     This  wall 

should  go 
Up  much  more  quickly!     Thou  art  slow,  so 

slow. 
Clamp  that  gate  into  place! 
{Seizes  gate,  it  crashes  from  Nehemiah's 


134  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

hand  and  drops  down  upon  other  clashing 

irons.) 

Stand  back,  thou  knave, 
Canst  thou  not  see  the  hours  we  might  save? 
Quick,  bring  that  mortar!    And  that  trowel 

now! 
{Harsh  commanding  tone.    Nehemiah  does 

not  obey  the  orders.) 
Thou  fool,  thou  knave,  why  falter?    Quick! 

But  thou 
Art  slow! 

(Hurry  rushes  about  smashing  everything) 
Nehemiah 
(calmly) 
I  do  not  thy  dictations  heed.    God's  ways 
Are  higher  than  thy  ways.    My  loving  praise 
Goes  to  the  Father  who  now  leadeth  me 
Beside  still  waters  of  tranquillity. 
Of  all  the  messengers  Sanballat  had 
Thou  art  the  one  that  makes  mankind  least 

glad. 
For  thou  art  ignorance  which  never  once 
Hath  wrought  one  thing  except, — to  act  the 

dunce. 
Thou  canst  not  curse  my  work,  nor  interfere 
With  my  sure  progress  heavenward.     The 

way 
Of  true  advancement  is  to  wait  and  pray. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  135 

The  one  who  hastens  on  shall  know  calm 

poise, 
While  hurry  retrogrades  with  deafening 

noise. 
The  one  who  acts  is  always  gentle,  still ; 
While  hurry,  doing  nothing,  tries  to  fill 
The  world  with  the  importance  of  its  ways. 
(Raising  his  eyes  to  heaven  as  if  in  prayer 

while  Hurry  ricshes  from  the  scene,) 
Father,  thy  active  quietness,  I  praise! 
(A  quiet  woman  enters  and  approaches  Ne- 

HEMiAH.   She  is  Human  Goodness.   She 

is  again  shadowed  by  Self-Pity.) 
Human  Goodness 
(to  Nehemiah) 
I  am  thy  Human  Goodness.    See,  my  friend, 
I  tell  thee  I  have  never  seen  thee  bend 
To  evil.    All  these  Jews,  a  crooked  set. 
Have  wrought,  indeed,  but  now  they  would 

forget 
The  need  of  further  toil.     Just  thou,  just 

thou. 
Art  worthy !    Dost  thou  not  see? 
(Nehemiah  listens  with  pleased  expression) 

Now,  ah,  now, 
Thou  canst! 

(clapping  her  hands  gleefully) 
Come,  then,  Sanballat  sends  the  word, 


136  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  Geshem,  and  Tobiah, — they  have  heard 

How  selfiessly  thou  toiFst,  and  they  would  see 

Thee  well  rewarded  for  thy  industry. 

(Nehemiah    leans   his    arm   heavily   upon 

Human  Goodness'  shoulder,  and  slowly 

walks  with  her  to  exit.     His  feet  drag 

as  if  he  were  very  weary.    Not  a  word 

is  spoken,) 

Nehemiah 
(low  voice) 
Yes,  yes,  *tis  true.    I  toil  alone,  'tis  true. 
The  world's  great  burdens  fall  upon  a  few! 

Self-Pity 
(whispering  to  Nehemiah) 
I,  I,  I,  I,  I,  I  do  suffer  so ! 
Hell,  pain,  death,  fear,  grief,  hate,  want,  woe ! 

(Just  as  Nehemiah  is  about  to  exit  with 
Human  Goodness,  he  slowly  steps  back 
and  takes  his  arm  from  her  shoulder.  He 
looks  her  searchingly  in  the  face,) 

Thou  earnest  here  to  mock  the  world  and  me. 

Thou  can'st  not  heal  nor  save  nor  bless  nor 
free. 

"I  am  doing  a  great  work,  so  that 

I  cannot  come  down: 

(turns  toward  wall) 

Why  should  the  work  cease, 


THE  KING^S  CUPBEARER  137 

(he  picks  up  his  tools  and  begins  to  measure 
the  door  openings) 

whilst  I  leave  it, 
and  come  down  to  you?" 
(Human  Goodness  and  Self-Pity,  turn  de- 
jectedly and  walk  toward  exit,     Nehe- 
MIAH  begins  hammering  loudly  at  gates,) 

Human  Goodness 

(at  exit) 

(addressed  pleadingly  to  Nehemiah,  who  re- 

gards  her  disapprovingly) 
We  have  been  friends  in  days  long  passed 

away. 
Thy  Human  Goodness,  dost  thou  remember, 

pray. 
How  kind  a  friend  I  have  been  unto  thee? 

(pleadingly) 
Why  dost  thou,  then,  refuse  to  go  with  me? 

(mockingly) 
I  shall  return  again  to  thee,  my  friend. 
I  shall  remain  with  thee  till  thou  shalt  lend 
Almost  thine  all  to  me.    A  world  shall  sway, 
Rocked  by  my  human  goodness.     Still  one 

day 
I  shall  return  to  curse  thee. 

(As  Human  Goodness  and  Self-Pity  leave, 
Human  Goodness  threateningly  clanks 


138  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

heavy  chains.    Nehemiah  pauses  in  his 
work  on  the  walls.) 

Nehemiah 
(shuddering) 
I  fear,  alas,  her  chains.    I  must  be  free. 
Yea,  Human  Goodness  will  return. 
(as  if  beholding  a  vision) 
I  see 
A  whole  world  swaying,  nations,  churches, 

men. 
Cursed  by  the  curse  of  human  goodness,  when 
Their  need  is  loving  more, — "Just  unity. 
And  no  questions  raised."   Through  eternity 
All  men   and  nations,   churches,   yet   shall 

stand 
Together,  leagued,  united — ^yea,  one  band. 
(Enter  Pride  of  Achievement,  a  messenger 
from  Sanballat.     Pride  says  nothing. 
He  struts  about  looking  at  wall.  Whistles 
proudly.) 

Pride 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Splendid  work !    Marvelous !    Indeed,  I  won- 
der, friend. 
At  all  thou  and  these  Jews  have  done.  Pray 

lend 
An  ear.    My  governor,  Sanballat,  sends  thee 
peace 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  139 

And  joy.  He  would,  himself,  convey  to  thee 

these  greetings. 

(looking  at  wall) 

Wondrous!     My  friend, 

didst  thou  do  all. 
Thou  and  these  Jews  ?    It  seems,  indeed,  this 

wall 
Is  built  to  stand.    I  marvel  at  thy  might, 
Thy  wondrous  skill  in  building  this  aright! 

Nehemiah 
(For  a  moment,  he  listens  eagerly.    A  dazed, 

stupid  expression  steals  across  his  face. 

With  a  gesture,  as  if  pushing  the  words 

uf  Pride  away  from  him,  he  speaks  slowly 

— to  himself.) 
"0  God,  Thou  art  my  God ;  early  will  I  seek 

thee : 
My. soul  thirsteth  for  Thee,  my  flesh  longeth 

for  Thee, 

To  see  Thy  power  and  Thy  glory,  so  as  I  have 

seen  Thee 

In  the  sanctuary 

When  I  remember  Thee  upon  my  bed. 
And  meditate  on  Thee  in  the  night  watches. 
Because  Thou  hast  been  my  help. 
Therefore  in  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings 
Will  I  rejoice."  (Ps.  63:1-7.) 

(Enter  a  driver  and  golden  chariot;  a  richly 


140  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

trapped  beast,   A  footman  and  messenger 
are  close  at  hand.) 

Messenger 
(to  Pride) 
My  lord,  I  wait;  and  art  thou  ready  quite? 
If  so,  we'll  journey  onward,  e*er  'tis  night. 
Pride 
(pleadingly  to  Nehemiah) 
Come  down  with  me.    Sanballat  waits  to  hear 
Thy  mighty  conquest  over  sin  and  fear. 
Come  with  me,  friend. 

Nehemiah 
(resolutely) 
**I  am  doing  a  great  work. 
So  that  I  cannot, come  down: 
Why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave  it, 
And — come — down — to — you  ?" 

(Nehemiah  6:3.) 
Pride 
(insisting) 
They  wait  for  thee  at  Ono. 
Nehemiah 
Let  them  wait !    I  have  a  work.  Yea,  I  know 
It  must  continue. 

Pride 
(pointing  to  wall) 
To  tell  them  of  this  dost  thou  refuse  to  go? 
Come  with  me  to  the  village  of  Ono. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  141 

Nehemiah 
"I  am  doing  a  great  work,  so  that  I  cannot 

come  down: 
Why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave  it, 
And  come  down  to  you?" 

(Nehemiah  6:3.) 
(The  driver  slowly  turns  the  chariot  around; 

the  footman,  the  messenger  and  Pride 

follow.     They  exeunt  while  Nehemiah 

slowly  repeats:) 
"Why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave 

it, 
And  come  down  to  you?" 
(Enter  Jealousy.    She  is  a  deceitful  looking 

woman  with  face  wreathed  in  vain  smiles. 

She   approaches    Nehemiah    and   looks 

with  sinister  smiles  at  his  work,) 
Jealousy 
Why  this  is  Nehemiah?  (with  surprise) 

Long  ago 
I  knew  thee.     We  were  friends,  dost  thou 

recall 
Those  days  in  Babylon?    I  little  knew 
That  thou  wouldst  prove  a  master  over  all 
This  mighty  work! 

(Smiling  with  pained  expression.) 
No  one  is  more  rejoiced  than  I  am,  friend, 
At  all  thy  progress! 


142  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(As  if  trying  to  convince  herself  of  her  joy,) 

Ah,  I  am  so  glad 
Thou  dost  so  well,  my  friend;  and  if  I  had 
My  way,  I  would  confer  on  thee  all  good! 
I  am  not  jealous, — all  is  understood 
With  me.  No  one  could  wish  thee  more  than  I 
Of  great  success ! 
(As  if  determined  he  should  believe  her.) 
So  glad — so  glad,  friend!    Why 
This  vast  success? 

Nehemiah 

{not  looking  up  from  his  work) 

I  know  thy  voice !    Thy  face  I  have  not  seen ! 

Thy  words  spell  J-e-a-1-o-u-s-y.    I  have  not 

been 
Deceived  by  all  thou  say'st  of  my  success, — 
I  know  full  well,  thou  lovest  me  no  less 
Than  this  work  I  would  do.    Go  from  me,  go, 
Admiring  jealousy.    Thou  canst  not  know 
The  purpose  of  my  days.    Why  shouldst  thou 

tell 
Me  pleasing  nothings  of  my  work,  when  hell 
Is  where  ye  wish  to  drag  me? 

(Lifting  his  eyes  in  prayer.) 

Ah,  'tis  true 
"Of  mine  own  self,  I  do  no  thing,"  one  prays, 
In  future  years: 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  143 

(as  if  in  prophecy) 

"Yea,  I  forever  do 
That  which  the  Father  does ;"  indeed,  God's 

ways 
Are  higher  than  my  thoughts. 
(Jealousy  with  poisoned,  admiring  glances 

exits) 

(Nehemiah  raises  both  hands  as  if  he  were 

fairly  lifted  up  from  the  earth) 

Father,  thanks,  praise! 
(Four  men  enter  carrying  mortar-trough; 

after  placing  it,  they  exeunt.) 
(Nehemiah  turns  back  to  the  contemplation 
of  the  work  on  the  wall.  Prejudice,  a 
messenger  from  Sanballat,  enters,  al- 
most creeps  about,  and  whispers  as  if 
frightened.  Goes  up  to  mortar  which  Ne- 
hemiah is  mixing,  and  looks  at  it  fear- 
fully.) 
Some  one  has  mixed  this  mortar  wrong,  my 

friend, 
Sh —  what  have  I  said.  I  did  not  mean  to  tell 
That  shameful  plot. 

Nehemiah 
A  plot  ye  say?    Pray  lend 
Assistance  in  unraveling  it. 
(Nehemiah  ceases  his  work  and  appears  to 
be  much  disturbed.) 


144  the  king's  cupbearer 

Prejudice 
Meshullam,  Zadok,  Ezra,  ah,  for  shame! 
I  should  not  speak  of  this !    I  would  not  say 
One  word  to  turn  thee  from  thy  friendships, 

nay, 
Not  one  word;  but  (whispering) ,  'twas  Shal- 

lum  said  to  me 
That  ye  were  hard  task-master!   Ah,  I  see 
I  have  been  wrong  in  telling  this. 
(As  if  repentant.) 
Nehemiah 
(continuing  his  mixing  of  mortar) 
Alas,  thy  name 
Is  prejudice!  (pointing  to  exit)    Go!  Thou 

may'st  pass 
Forever  from  my  sight!   Thou  canst  not  tell 
The  light  from  darkness.    Go,  the  gates  of 

hell 
Swing  back  for  such  as  thee. 

(Prejudice,  muttering,  starts  to  leave,) 
Prejudice 

I  wouldst  not  turn 
Thee  e'er  against  a  brother,  but,  I  yearn 
To  tell  thee  how  Hanani  says  that  thou 
Sh —  art  basely  wrong — Sh,  what  have  I 
spoken  now? 

Nehemiah 
(dropping  his  mortar  mixer,  he  places  hands 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  145 

over  ears  so  that  he  cannot  hear) 
Of  all  the  messengers  Sanballat  prides, 
Thou  art  the  falsest  one, — yea,  thou !    Death 

hides 
Behind  thy  muttered  murmurings!    Go  now 
From  me — Ah,  never  more  shalt  thou 
Deceive  me,  crafty,  whispering  abuse; 
Thy  name  is  prejudice,  and  I  refuse 
To  listen  to  thee,  coward!     Whispering, 
Go  back  to  Hades  whence  thy  lispings  spring. 
I  shall  rely  on  God  to  tell  me  all 
About  my  fellow-man.         (lifting  eyes) 

On  Him  I  call 
For  righteous  judgment  I    God,  alone,  is 

good. 
And,  in  His  sight,  man  now  is  understood! 
One  day,  a  singer  comes  to  earth  to  say: 
"Our  feet  shall  stand"  within  Jerusalem 
Where  human  prejudice  no  more  hath  sway. 
"Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem." 

(Psalms  122:6.) 
(Exit  Prejudice.) 
(A  small  man,  Persecution,  carrying  a  whip 
of  many  cords,  enters.  He  appears  proud 
of  himself.  He  glides  craftily  here  and 
there  and  everywhere,  Nehemiah,  not 
observing  Persecution's  entrance,  con- 
tinues his  work.    Persecution  wickedly 


146  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

looks  at  Nehemiah  as  he  works  and  gives 

him  a  fearful  lash  with  the  whip  on  his 

back.    The  Cupbearer,  startled,  looks  up 

with  pained  expression.    Enter  Human 

Goodness    and    Self-Pity.      They    say 

nothing,  but  stand  solicitously  at  Nehe- 

miah's  side,    Nehemiah,  taking  a  few 

steps,    observes    Persecution    standing 

prominently  before  him,  and  immediately 

the  Cupbearer's  expression  of  suffering 

changes  to  a  look  of  relief,) 

Nehemiah 

(to  Persecution) 

Ah  ha,  I  see  thee  now,  thou  gav'st  the  blow 

That  turned  me  from  my  work !    I  know  thy 

name, — 
'Tis  Persecution.    Yea,  I  surely  know 
That  thou  hast  caused  me  all  this  grief  and 

shame ! 
(As  Nehemiah  weeps,  Persecution,  step- 
ping out  into  a  more  prominent  position, 
appears  to  be  most  happy,) 
Persecution 
(proudly,  to  Nehemiah) 
Ah,  yes,  I  struck  the  blow  at  thee,  my  friend, 
My  name  is  Persecution ;  many  fear 
The  grief  and  ravages  I  daily  send 
To  those  whose  mission  is  to  conquer  here. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  147 

(proudly) 
I  struck  the  blow! 

(strutting  about  as  if  pleased 
with  himself) 
Nehemiah 
(turning  sadly  to  his  work 
— to  himself) 
He  struck  the  blow !    Ah,  me, 
When  shall  I  from  the  curse  of  self  be  free? 
(These  words  are  said  discontentedly  as  if 
dissatisfied  with  himself  and  the  whole 
world.     Persecution,   turning   quickly, 
strikes  the  Cupbearer  a  stinging  blow, 
this  time  over  the  head,) 
'Twas  thou, 

(turning  defiantly  toward  Self  Pity) 
Self  Pity,  who  hath  done  this  thing! 
I  shall  not  take  thy  curses!     Suffering 
Is  not  my  portion ! 

(again  Persecution  steals  up  behind  and 
lashes  Nehemiah  cruelly  over  the  head) 

Persecution 
(appearing  boldly  before  Nehemiah) 
No,  No,  'twas  I  who  lashed  thee, — 
My  name  is  Persecution. 

(pleadingly) 

Call  me  so. 
And  credit  me  with  all  I  do ! 


148  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Self-Pity 
(to  Nehemiah) 
(She  wears  a  pained,  pioits  expression.    Her 
eyes  are.  turned  deceitfully  upward.  When 
she  speaks,  she  whispers  whiningly  in 
Nehemiah's  ear) 
Oh,  how  I  suffer !   How  I  hear  each  blow ! 
I,  I,  I,  I,  I  suffer  so,  so,  so ! 

Human  Goodness 
No  one  has  stood  alone,  unloved,  as  thou, — 
Martyr  of  martyrs,  cursed  here,  hated  now! 
This  blow  came  from  my  human  goodness ! 

I 

(Nehemiah  turns  to  his  work.  Again  Per- 
secution strikes  a  stinging  blow  as  if  in 
refutation  of  the  claims  of  Human  Good- 
ness.) 

Persecution 
(interrupting,  to  Human  Goodness) 
Ah,  no,  it  did  not!    I  will  tell  thee  why 
I  struck  the  blow! 

Nehemiah 
(to  Persecution) 
I  scorn,  indeed,  each  word  thou  sayest, 

knave ! 
And  call  thee  not  by  name  that  thou  wouldst 
crave. 


the  king's  cupbearer  149 

Persecution 
(eagerly) 
'Twas  Persecution  struck  the  blow,  I,  I, 
My  name  is  Persecution,  why,  0,  why. 
Not  credit  me  with  all  I  do  ?    Why  pray  ? 

Nehemiah 
(firmly) 
I  scorn,  indeed,  each  word  thou  sayest;  nay, 
I  need  not  thee  believe !    I  shall  not  say 
Thy  name. 

(Enter  Understanding^ 

Persecution 
(angrily) 
I  go!    I  shall  not  stay, — not  here! 
Unless  thou  calFst  me  Persecution,  Fear! 
I  like  my  name;  no  other  one,  alas, 
Becometh  me. 
(Britshing   with   disgust  past   Nehemiah, 

Persecution   takes   Human   Goodness 
and  Self-Pity  by  the  arm  and  leads  them 
away.) 
Knave,  traitor,  let  me  pass! 

(Persecution  and  Human  Goodness  walk 
defiantly  together  to  entrance.  They 
exeunt.) 


150  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 

(to  Understanding) 

When   human   goodness  shall  have  passed 

away, 
Fl^ail  persecution  shall  have  no  more  sway. 
Understanding 
(to  Nehemiah) 
This  is  the  greatest  wisdom  men  can  know, — 
That  persecution  never  struck  one  blow. 
When  this  is  known  in  churches,  nations, 

then 
We  shall  have  joy  among  the  sons  of  men. 
The  summit  of  one's  search  for  Truth  and 

good 
Is  knowing  in  Mind's  loving  brotherhood 
There  is  no  persecution.    All  is  love. 

Nehemiah 
Then  God  is  Lord  of  earth  and  heav'n  above. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  151 


CANTICLE  VIIL 


Description  :  Same  as  Canticle  VII .  Morn- 
ing scene.  Over-bright  sun 
typifying  unrest.  Enter 
twelve  very  small  children. 
They  quarrel  incessantly 
among  themselves.  They 
constantly  get  in  Nehemi- 
ah's  way  and  howl  angrily 
over  the  least  provocation. 
Collectively  they  represent 
Human  Birth. 

Discovered:     Twelve  noisy  children  troop- 
ing in,  and  Human  Goodness. 

Human  Birth  (First  Small  Child) 
{stubbing  toe  on  building  material  and  howl- 
ing bitterly) 
Oh,  my,  oh,  my,  oh,  my,  my  toe ! 

(sitting  down  and  holding  toe  in  hands) 

my  toe ! 
Human  Goodness 
My  toe! 
{As  each  child  speaks.  Human  Goodness 


152  IHE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

repeats  the  last  word  of  each  sentence 
like  an  echo.) 
(All  of  the  children  crowd  noisily  about  the 
injured  one.  Some  of  them  laugh  mis- 
chievously. Others  pu^h  and  crowd  and 
knock  each  other  over.  Some  whine. 
Others  cry  for  fear.  Some  laugh  loudly. 
The  uproar  is  terrific  as  one  child 
pushes  another  and  shrieks:  "Leave  me 
aloneT  and  another  shouts:  ''Coward!" 
Suddenly  someone  throws  bright  colored 
baubles  in  the  midst  of  the  children.  To- 
gether they  roar  hoarsely:  ''Good,  good, 
good,  good!"  The  baubles  quickly  vanish 
as  the  children  reach  put  for  them.  Chil- 
dren all  howl  as  baubles  vanish.) 

Nehemiah 
(tenderly,  to  children) 
Where  have  I  seen  before  such  human  woe  ? 
Where  have  I  seen  such  poor  untempered  zest 
O'er  life's  vain  baubles  which  but  live  at  best 
One  moment? 

(as  if  remembering) 
Ah,  I  recall,  in  days  long  gone, 
I,  too,  believed  myself  a  child  who  grew 
As  others  bade  me. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  153 

Human  Birth  (Second  Small  Child) 
(acctcsing  all  the  children) 
He  knew,  he,  he  knew! 

Human  Goodness 
He  knew! 

Human  Birth  (Third  Small  Child) 
(snatching  something  from  another  child) 
He  took  that ! 

He  took  that!    Don't  you  know,  I  told  him 
not  to  do  that? 

Human  Goodness 
Not  to  do  that! 

Human  Birth  (Fourth  Small  Child) 
It's  mine! 

It's  mine!    You  knew  that  was  mine,  now, 
didn't  you? 

Human  Goodness 
Now,  didn't  you? 

Human  Birth  (Fifth  Small  Child) 
I  tell  ye,  it's  mine!     (sobbing) 
I  tell  ye,  it's  mine!  (sobbing) .  And  you  know 
it,  too.    You  do !  You  do !  Now,  don't  you  ? 

Human  Goodness 
Now,  don't  you? 

Human  Birth  (Sixth  Small  Child) 
It's  mine.    I  wouldn't  be  dishonest  like  you. 
I   can   prove  I'm  honest.     Yon  know  you 
can't.    Can  you? 


154  the  king's  cupbearer 

Human  Goodness 
Can  you  ? 

Human  Birth   (Seventh  Small  Child) 
I  had  it  first!    You  can't  deny  that,  can  you? 

Human  Goodness 
Can  you? 

Human  Birth  (Eighth  Small  Child) 
I  did! 

Human  Goodness 
I  did! 

Human  Birth  (Ninth  Small  Child) 
He  took  it ! 
He  took  it!    You  know  he  did.    Don't  you? 

Human  Goodness 
Don't  you? 

Human  Birth  (Tenth  Small  Child) 
It's  mine.    My  sister  gave  it  to  me ! 

Human  Goodness 
Gave  it  to  me! 

Human  Birth  (Eleventh  Small  Child) 
She  stole  it!     You  saw  her  take  it,  didn't 
you? 

Human  Goodness 
Didn't  you? 

Human  Birth  (Twelfth  Small  Child) 
He  did!    Shame!    Coward! 

Human  Goodness 
Coward ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  155 

Human  Birth  (First  Small  Child) 

(trying  to  protect  a  child) 

Leave  him  alone,  he*s  my  brother. 

He's  honest  and  so  am  I.    We  can  prove  it, 

too.    We  can  prove  that  you  took  that ! 

Human  Goodness 

You  took  that! 

Human  Birth  (Second  Small  Child) 

(Indicating  child  and  pushing  tormentor 

aside  scornfully,) 

Human  Goodness 

Coward,  fool,  you,  you! 

You!    You! 

Nehemiah 
The  words  of  God  may  now  be  understood. 
(beholding  the  quarreling  of  children) 
I  credit  not  mine  eyes.    This  is  not  true. 
(Raising  hand  as  if  stilling  a  tempest.    The 
children  immediately   become  quiet  and 
listen.    Exit  Human  Goodness.) 
Love  knows  no  human  birth,  self's  devious 

ways 
Of  f retf ulness,  and  fear,  and  shouts  of  praise ! 
(Enter  Understanding.    The  children's  in- 
coherent  arguments  gradually  cease.) 
Understanding 
Thy  human  questionings  must  one  day  cease. 
Love's  government  shall  bring  eternal  peace. 


156  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah 
Yea,  "Just  unity  and  no  questions  raised" 
In  nation,  home  nor  church!     Let  God  be 
praised! 

Understanding 
None  can  deny  that  God  is  Father  of 
All  men  and  that  He  doth  create  through 
love! 

Nehemiah 
(Compassionately  to  the  children.) 
Dear  children,  how  I  love  thee,  waifs  of 

earth, 
God  will  reveal  to  thee  thine  own  new  birth ! 

(as  if  in  prophecy) 
I  raise  no  questions  with  thee.    God  is  good ! 
In  unity  all  things  are  understood! 

Understanding 
Mere  human  goodness  is  forever  vain ; 
Its  quarreling  must  be  hushed  to  ever  gain 
True  understanding  which  will  lead  men  on 
Past  fear  of  self  until  earth's  wars  are  won. 
To-day,  the  tribes  of  Israel  shall  come. 
Yea,  twelve  of  them,  to  lead  thee  safely  home. 
Beside  still  waters,  where  man  hath  not  age 
Nor  youth! 
(The  children,  as  if  in  prayer,  clasp  their 
hands  and  look  up  to  heaven.) 


THE  KING»S  CUPBEARER  157 

Nehemiah 
Come,  tribes  of  Israel,  come  here! 
{Enter  twelve  Israelites,  six  men  and  six 
women.    There  is  a  kiished  silence  while 
each  one   takes  a  child  gently   by   the 
hand.) 
(approvingly,  to  the  silent  tribes) 
Unity  governs  wisely  every  one. 
With  no  more  "questions  raised,"  God's  will 
is  done. 

All  the  Children 
(together) 
How  glad  we  are!    There  is  naught  now  to 
fear! 

Understanding 
(indicating  the  Tribes) 
They  are  Love's  silent  approbation.    When 
The  world  is  free,  all  men  shall  love  all  men. 
When  approbation  of  all  men  is  giv'n, 
Man's  home  and  church  and  marriage  art  in 

heav'n. 
(Each  of  the  twelve  children,  led  by  a  rep- 
resentative  of  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel, 
passes  by  Nehemiah.  The  Cupbearer 
tenderly  places  his  hand  on  each  child  as 
if  giving  a  blessing.) 

Nehemiah 
Thou  shalt  be  safely  led  o'er  moor  and  fen, 


158  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  shouldst  thou  stumble  thou  shalt  rise 
again. 

(lovingly  to  children) 

These  Tribes  of  Israel  shall  guard  and  tell 

Thee  how  to  go.    Dear  children,  all  is  well ! 

Truth's  peace  be  ever  with  thee  on  thy  way 

To  Life,  eternal,  and  effulgent  day. 

Where  man  is  neither  old  nor  young — where 
he 

Dwells  as  God*s  image  through  eternity. 

(As  the  children  and  Twelve  Tribes  of  Israel 
are  quietly  leaving  the  stage,  UNDER- 
STANDING prays,) 

Understanding 

Thank  God  for  silent  witnesses  of  good! 

With  them,  all  men  are  truly  understood. 

The  silent  Tribes  of  Israel  shall  bless 

Mankind  with  health  and  peace  and  happi- 
ness. 

When  men  and  nations  silently  agree, 

The  world  shall  know  the  Truth  which 
makes  it  free. 

And  when  in  church  all  questions  cease  for 
aye 

The  world  shall  waken  to  eternal  day. 

(Brightness  of  noon-day.  Ex- 
cessive heat,  denoting  weari- 
ness,) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  159 

(Enter  Maturity,  a  man  who  appears  to 
be  fast  growing  old.  He  carries  a  large 
mirror  in  one  hand  and  a  bottle  of  hair 
dye  in  the  other.  Maturity  constantly 
places  the  mirror  before  Nehemiah  and 
attempts  to  touch  up  his  hair.) 

Maturity 
(fearfully  to  Nehemiah) 
I  fear  for  thee !    Thou  art  not  well,  alas ! 
Why  shouldst  thou  work,   my  friend,   thy 

youth  will  pass 
From  thee ! 

(peering  into  Nehemiah's  face) 

Or,  hath  it  gone,  indeed, — 
The  while  thou  toilest  over  work's  dead 

creed  ? 
I  am  afraid  for  thee,  thou  troubFst  me! 
This  heat  is  very  great !    Alas,  my  friend, 
I  fear  for  thee — I  do  so  long  to  send 
Thee  to  thy  rest  in  bed  of  ease,  to-day. 
Where  thou  couldst  sleep  earth's  stupid 
hours  away. 

Nehemiah 

(scornfully) 

'Tis  strange  that  thou  shouldst  come,  when 

I  can  see 
The  very  Truth  that  maketh  all  men  free. 


160  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Maturity 
I  always  come — Set  Ways,  Gray  Hair,  Old 

Age,— 
No  one  resists  me — layman.  Christian,  sage ! 
If  thou  wilt  never  rest,  then  let  me  bring 
This  touch  of  youth  to  thee. 
(Again  tries  to  touch  up  Nehemiah's  hair,) 

Thy  suffering 
Hath  brought  thee  age. 

Nehemiah 
(to  Maturity) 
I  know  this  argument,  maturity — 
This  cursed  falsity,  this  cruel  fear — 
This  baseless  nothing  cannot  enter  here. 
Man  is  forever  young,  forever  old. 
Forever  childlike — God's  law  hath  foretold! 

(Pushes  Maturity  beyond  exit,) 
(Enter  a  dark,  sinister-looking  man  with 
long,  flowing  robes.  He  carries  a  large 
black  sack  over  his  shoulder.  His  robes 
fly  about  as  if  blown  by  the  wind.  He 
is  Discouragement.) 

(Night  falls.    Extremely  cold 
and  desolate,) 
Discouragement 
(to  Nehemiah) 
What,  alone!    Where  are  the  lazy  Jews  to- 
day? 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  161 

Thou  workest  here  so  long,  and  wherefore, 

pray? 
Thou  hast,  indeed,  no  portion  when  'tis  done. 
(Nehemiah  drops  his  hammer,  rubs  his 
forehead  and  listens.) 
I  often  wonder  why  thou  shouldst  do 
This  useless  work  and  slay  thyself !    'Tis  true 
No  Jew  will  thank  thee.    Come,  and  rest,  my 

friend. 
A  chariot  awaits  without.    Just  lend 
Thy  time  to  us  a  while,  and  thou  shalt  be 
Repaid,  indeed,  for  thy  sincerity. 
Here  no  one  knows. 

(Nehemiah  sadly  assents,) 
Yea,  no  one  cares ! 

(Nehemiah  agrees) 

I  see 
Thou  art  well-nigh  discouraged. 

(Nehemiah  leans  dejectedly  against  the 
wall.) 
Come  with  me ! 
(Nehemiah  takes  a  few  steps  toward  Dis- 
couragement and  draws  back.) 
I  journey  incognito  and  'tis  well — 
I  am  of  noble  birth.    Come,  I  will  tell 
Thee  of  thy  portion,  sleep ;  thy  sacred  right 
To  take  the  easy  way  of  work.    Dark  night 
Enfolds  thee  in  oblivion,  my  friend. 


162  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

{Long  arms,  with  flowing  sleeves,  held  high 
over  Nehemiah's  head.) 

Trust  all  to  me,  trust  all,  and  I  will  send 

Thy  soul  to  hell  {eagerly)  and  there  my  par- 
ent. Death, 

Will  rob  thee  of  thine  all, — thy  very  breath ! 

{Takes  from  the  sack  thrown  over  his  shoul- 
der a  handful  of  seeds,  and  scatters  them 
about.  As  seeds  fall,  loud,  harsh  noises 
are  heard.) 

This  is  my  grain, — seeds  of  dismay.  Why 
stand 

Beside  that  wall  in  danger? 

{Fearful  noises  as  seeds  fall.     Nehemiah, 
frightened,  drops  tools  from  his  hands.) 
From  thine  hand 
{indicating  tools) 

They  fall !  Come,  let  us  in  God's  house  now 
meet, 

Within  the  temple.    Fear  would  slay  thee ! 

{Loud  reports  of  hail  and  sleet.  Flashes  of 
lightning.  Stage  becomes  like  blackest 
night.  Evil  imps,  small  of  stature,  whisk 
about  everywhere.  They  tug  at  Nehe- 
miah's  garments,  bearing  him  almost  to 
the  ground,  hang  about  his  neck,  whisper 
in  his  ear  and  mock  him.) 

Sleet, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  163 

Hail,  and  lightning, — in  the  night  they  come. 

(Discouragement  steps  forward  and  takes 

Nehemiah's  hand  as  if  to  lead  him  from 

danger.) 

Come  with  me,  friend,  and  I  will  lead  thee 

home — 
Straight  to  our  safe  abiding  place  in  hell. 
Come  with  me,  and  my  parent,  Death,  will 

tell 
Thee  of  thy  greatness ! 
(Nehemiah  goes  with  him  a  few  steps.  The 
hail,  thunder,  and  lightning  cease  and 
imps  drop  down  behind  heaps  of  building 
material.  A  lethargic  peace  seems  to 
settle  down.) 

Nehemiah 
(with  a  start,  as  if  awakening) 
To— tell— of  me— me? 

Discouragement 
(quickly  as  if  correcting  his  words) 
To  let  thee  tell  of  all  the  work  that  thou 
Hast  wrought  upon  these  walls.    Come  with 
me,  now! 

Nehemiah 
(drawing  back) 
To  speak  of  one's  own  self  is  at  a  loss ! 
God  bears  true  witness  here !    Why  should  I 
cross 


164  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

The  barriers  of  hell  to  talk  with  thee 
And  Death  about  myself?    I  must  be  free ! 

Discouragement 
(still  pleading) 
How  still  it  is, — so  quiet  now!    Ah,  see, 
Thou  may'st  have  peace  if  thou  wilt  come 

with  me. 
(Nehemiah  draws  himself  up  to  his  full 
height,  'and  towers  above  Discourage- 
ment who  appears  to  shrivel  away  almost 
to  nothing,) 

Nehemiah 
(to  Discouragement) 
I  ask,  should  such  a  man  as  I  then  flee? 
(Steps  with  firm  strides  to  wall  and,  seizing 
huge  gates,  clamps  them  into  place.    Dis- 
couragement partially  rises  again  and 
begins  once  more  to  scatter  seeds  but  the 
sounds  are  very  faint  and  soon  die  away. 
In  low,  weak  voice  Discouragement  tries 
to  argue  with  Nehemiah,  who  continues 
his  work.) 

Discouragement 

(to  Nehemiah) 

Come — Come — (very    faint, — hail — thunder 

— lightning — ) 
(very  low  voice)     Come — come  home — 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  165 

Home —  (very  low )  — home — ^home — ^hell — 

home — 
Home — ^home — ^hell — home — ^home. 
(Nehemiah  rises  to  full  height  beside  the 
nearly  finished  wall.    One  of  the  few  last 
gates  is  clamped  into  place.    He  pays  no 
heed  to  the  whisperings  of  Discourage- 
ment  but  joyously  continues  his  task,) 
Nehemiah 
(to  himself — proudly) 
'Tis  nearly  finished!     (sigh  of  relief)  Ah!  I 

have  done  well, 
To  stand  against  my  enemies  and  foes. 
How  well  I  wrought,  the  future  ages  tell. 
How  well  I  stood,  the  God  in  heaven  knows! 
(As  Nehemiah  speaks  of  himself,  one  of  the 
■smallest   and   most   persistent    of   imps 
•    perches  on  a  pile  of  building  material, 
and  just   as   Nehemiah   finishes   these 
words,  the  imp  tries  to  press  a  dark,  green 
vial  between  his  lips,) 
Imp 
(pressing  vial  to  Nehemiah's  lips) 
Taste,  taste  it,  friend,  'tis  very,  very  sweet. 
Nehemiah 
(struggling  to  get  away) 
Why  should  I  taste  it? 
(as  he  speaks,  the  Imp  quickly  pours  some  of 


166  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

its  contents  down  his  throat?) 

Imp 

{to  Nehemiah) 

Because  'tis  truly  meet 
That  thou  shouldst  know  all  woe. 

Nehemiah 
This  (striking  vial  from  his  mouth)  taste 

(tasting)  y  it  is  — 
Like  cursed  poison ! 

(As  he  begins  to  moan,  Death  enters  dressed 
in  black  flowing  robe;  he  is  very  old  and 
bent) 

Death 

(to  Nehemiah) 

Did  some  one  call?    Is  this 

The  place  where  I  am  wanted? 

Nehemiah 

(to  Death) 

No  one  called. 
No,  not  wanted!     (angrily) 
Death 
(to  Nehemiah) 
I  heard  a  moan,  my  name. 
Another  name  for  Death ;  in  fact,  some  know 
No  other  name  for  Death  but  uttered  woe! 
(Death  steals  across  the  stage  and  takes 
both  of  Nehemiah's  hands.     The  Imps 
smile  wickedly  at  Nehemiah  while  Dis- 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  167 

COURAGEMENT  scatters  seeds  of  discord. 
Loud  noises,  hail,  thunder.     Flashes  of 
lightning.    It  is  still  very  dark.) 
Thy  hands  are  cold,  my  friend,  just  let  me 

hold 
Them  close !  They  are  so  very,  very  cold. 
(Nehemiah  shudders  as  if  overcome  with 
cold.  Enter  Sight,  Hearing,  Touch, 
Taste,  Smell,  and  quietly  take  their 
places  at  his  side.  They  appear  power- 
less to  act.) 

Nehemiah 
(to  the  five  men,  as  he  sinks  down  upon  a 

pile  of  building  material) 
I  see,  and  smell,  and  taste,  and  touch,  and 

hear, 
And,  yet,  I  almost  yield  to  cursed  fear. 

(calling  loudly) 
Come,  Wakefulness  and  Intuition,  come. 
And  lead  me  on  to  Life's  eternal  home. 

(as  if  in  a  death  struggle) 
Discernment,  Faith 

And  Understanding,  each  has  understood! 
(Looking  appealingly  toward  five  men.) 
All  senses  change  forms  at  once  to  those  of 
women.    Nehemiah  appears  relieved.) 
Faith 
(Kneeling  down  and  speaking  clearly  into 


168  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Nehemiah's  right  ear,  while  Death  con- 
tinues to  whine  in  his  left  ear.    Nehe- 
miah's  face  undergoes  a  mighty  change 
and  struggle.    The  right  side  of  his  face, 
while   Faith  is  speaking,  seems  to   be 
freed  from  pain.    The  left  side  twitches 
nervously  as  if  in  great  pain.     While 
Faith  speaks,  the  scene  is   bright  and 
warm.) 
Thou  asked  for  just  one  day  of  gratitude, 
For  victory  over  cares,  diseases,  fears. 
I  heard  thee  praising  God,  friend,  as  I  stood 
Beside  thee  in  thy  work !    A  thousand  years 
Of  blessings  daily  come  to  one  who  prays 
Rejoicingly,  and  thanks  God  for  His  ways. 
Thou  needst  not  fear  this  monster,  death, 

for  he 
Is  stupid  sleep,  weak  inactivity. 
One  day,  a  Master  tenderly  will  say: 
"Thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole.    Go  thou 

in  peace." 
His  words  are  spoken  now.    This  very  day 
Thou    shalt   have   faith.      Earth's   tumults, 
then,  must  cease. 

(Faith  rises  and  steps  aside) 

Death 

(whispering  whiningly  in  Nehemiah's  left 

ear;  scene  changes  to  dark,  cold  night) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  169 

How  dark  the  night !    I  am  unloved  and  old ! 
My  happiness  is  past !    How  very  cold 
This  place  is!    In  the  yesterdays,  I  had 
So  many  joys  to  make  me  very  glad. 
I  loved  the  past!  This  present  hour,  I  hate! 
I  want  to  die!    Why  stay  here?    Wherefore 

wait 
For  joy  within  the  world,  when  joy  is  gone? 
While  others  have  glad  days,  I  mourn  alone ! 

Intuition 
(kneeling,  speaks  clearly  into  Nehemiah's 

right  ear.    Bright  light) 
Death  is  the  mjrth  of  myths.  Human  despair 
And  fretfulness  its  creed.    Beset  with  care, 
Death's  other  self  is  age,  old  age,  that  lends 
Nor  gives  joys  of  to-day.    Death's  yesterday 

now  sends 
It  to  its  doom. 

Nehemiah 

(With  doubt,  to  Intuition;  looking  fearfully 

toward  Death.) 

Thou  speak'st  as  if,  indeed, 

Death  were  not  someone!    Why  say'st:  'Its 

creed 
Is  fretfulness?" 
Is  Death  not  someone,  then? 


170  THE  KIHG'S  CUPBEARER 

Intuition 
(Bright  scene.) 
Death  is  a  counterfeit.    Time  and  again 
It  comes  to  speak  to  us,  as  person,  when 
It  is  not  person,  place,  nor  anything! 
(Death  continues  to  whine  incoherently  into 
Nehemiah's  left  ear,    Nehemiah  winces 
as  if  in  pain.    Intuition  rises  and  steps 
aside.    The  scene  again  becomes  dark,) 
Nehemiah 
Alas!    Alas!    This  cruel  suffering! 
Death 
(exultingly) 
Ah  me,  ah  me,  in  Babylon,  my  friend. 
Thou  didst  have  joy  as  Cupbearer.  Why  lend 
Thy  self  to  those  who  have  no  thought  for 

thee? 
None  loves  nor  pities  thee!     None  cares  to 

see 
Thee  now!    I  know,  for  I  am  old,  so  old! 
My  name  is  Death,  Old  Age.    Ah,  I  have  told 
Thee  mournful  facts! 

Nehemiah 
(as  if  weakening) 

I  know !    Yea,  I  grow  old ! 
My  happiness  is  past !    Friends  turn  away ! 
It  was  not  thus,  alas,  in  former  day ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  171 

Ah,  these  are  mournful  facts  which  Death 
hath  told. 

Discernment 
(speaking  clearly  in  Nehemiah's  right  ear. 

Light) 
Thou  shalt  prove  faithful,  friend,  patient, 

and  kind. 
Thou  shalt  be  grateful  still  to  work  and  give ! 
— This  is  the  good  no  man  can  e*er  unbind, — 
Thou  shalt  be  patient  that  all  men  may  live. 
Thou  needst  not  fear  this  monster,  death. 
Rise,  see, 

'Tis  stupid  sleep,  weak  inactivity. 
Death 
(to  Nehemiah 
Night  scene.) 
The  ones  who  built  with  thee,  thy  very  own, 
Hath  turned  away  from  thee ;  and  now,  alone, 
Thou  f acest  the  end  of  all !    Is  there  worse 
Than  just  to  have  as  heritage  Death's  curse? 
Why  have  they  turned  from  thee,  those  shift- 
less men. 
To  let  thee  die  alone,  unloved?    Ah,  when 
Shall  we  poor  mortals  wake  to  sadly  see 
We  have  no  portion  save  disloyalty? 

Nehemiah 
Must  we  poor  mortals  wake  to  sadly  see 
We  have  no  portion  save  disloyalty? 


172  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Why  do  I  mutter  words  Death  speaks  to  me? 
May  I  not  voice  the  Truth  that  sets  men  free! 
Why  doth  it  seem  all  friends  have  turned 

away? 
Is  God  not  God  in  heav'n,  eternally? 
This  work  of  mine,  could  it  have  been  for 

naught, — 
Why  do  I  speak  of  self,  what  I  have  wrought? 
Understanding 

(comes  quietly  forward  and  kneels  close 
to  Nehemiah 
Bright  scene.) 
To  speak  forever,  friend,  of  God's  great  good 
Is  loving  charity.  Well  understood 
Is  man's  true  character  when  God  is  claimed 
As  his  Creator, — none  is  cursed  nor  blamed. 
The  work  upon  this  wall  is  not  of  men, — 
None  shall  subtract  nor  add  to  it  again. 
Thou  needst  not  fear  thy  work  shall  pass 

away 
— And  this  is  Life— o'er  work  death  hath  no 

sway 
(Death  binds  Nehemiah  with  heavy,  cold 

chains.    Nehemiah  groans  and  breathes 

heavily.) 

Nehemiah 
(shuddering) 
How  cold,  alas,  how  very,  very  cold 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  173 

These  chains  are ! 

Wakefulness 
(Light.) 
Yet  they  cannot  ever  hold 
Thee  from  thy  work.    Thou  shalt  arise  and 

go, 
As  victor  over  sin  and  fear  and  woe. 
Death  hath  no  power  to  bind  the  one  who, 

freed 
From  self,  goes  forth  to  meet  another's  need. 
(Nehemiah  continues  to  breathe  heavily.  He 
appears  to  be  in  a  death  struggle.    Death 
exults  over  every  groan.) 
Nehemiah 
(gaspingly) 
Self!    Self!    Self! 
Self! — From  self  may  I  then  go? 
Pain!    Self!    Fear! 
Death!    Want!    Woe! 

Death 
(exultingly  as  Nehemiah'S  breath  becomes 

fainter) 
Ah,  this  is  death!    I  saw  it  long  ago, — 
This  closing  off  of  breath !  I  know !  I  know ! 
Thou  saw'st  my  mother  breathe  her  last  and 

go; 
Thy  father,  too,  ye  saw  it  long  ago. 
Ah,  this  is  death ! 


174  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

It  is  the  separation  which  I  fear. 

Thou  shalt  be  far  away  from  here,  from  here. 

Thy  hands  are  cold! 

(Holds  Nehemiah's  hands.) 

Yea,  very  cold,  alas. 
I  fear  for  thee.  Thou  know*st  that  I  shall  pass 
Death's  boundaries. 

Nehemiah 
(Rising  with  a  struggle,  gaspingly.) 
Why  dost  thou  speak  of  thee 
And  me  as  ever  one? 

Death 
Ah,  wouldst  thou  see 
Death's  mysteries? 

(As  if  explainng  a  puzzle.) 

I  would  confound,  confuse 
Thy  name  with  mine,  so  that  if  thou  wouldst 

choose 
Thine  own,  thou  shalt,  indeed,  draw  forth 

my  name. 
Fast  intertwined  with  thine.  This  is  Death's 

game 
Of  self, — a  wicked  prattle  'tis,  indeed. 
To  speak  thy  name  and  mine  together  so. 
Yea,  Babylon  confounded  is  my  creed. 
Thine  heritage  and  mine  art  self  and  woe. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  175 

Nehemiah 
(shuddering) 
A  tiny  speck  before  my  eye  appears. 
It  blots  out  all  the  world !  Death,  all  thy  fears 
Art  come  to  pass ! 

(Small  black  speck  dances  before  Death's 
and  Nehemiah's  eyes.  A  dark  and 
dreadful  cloud,  zigzag  flashes  of  lightning. 
A  dense,  dark  mist,  spreading  itself  like  a 
heavy  cloud  settles  over  all.  Shrieks  of 
women,  screams  of  children,  the  shouts  of 
men,  some  screaming,  "0,  let  me  dieT; 
some  begging,  "0,  let  me  dieT;  children 
crying,  "0,  why  must  I  die!"  Many  hands 
lifted  through  the  clouds  of  human  war- 
fare  as  if  reaching  out  vainly  for  help. 
Nehemiah,  with  a  mighty  struggle, 
raises  himself  on  his  elbow,  and  beholds 
the  death  struggle  of  a  world.  The  ex- 
pression of  his  face  changes  quickly  from 
intense  fear  to  tender  compassion.  He 
reaches  out  both  hands  as  if  he  would 
grasp  the  hands  of  those  extended  through 
the  dark  clouds  and  mist,  Nehemiah, 
with  wondrous  strength,  rises  to  his  feet 
and  lifts  his  eyes  to  heaven.) 


176  the  king's  cupbearer 

Understanding 
(to  Nehemiah) 

Self  is  the  speck  that  now 
Doth  dance  before  thy  sight! 
I  ask,  canst  thou 

{As  if  speaking  to  All.) 
Not  see  this  speck  wouldst  shut  out  all  the 

light 
Of  good?    Father,  I  lift  mine  eyes  to  thee! 
(speck  disappears) 

Nehemiah 
(gratefully  to  Understanding) 
The  speck  of  self  is  vanished !    I  am  free ! 
I  stand  a  freed  man  now !    I,  strong  and  well, 
Health,  joy  and  peace,  for  all  mankind  fore- 
tell! 
Is  all  mankind  involved  in  Death's  dire  woe ; 
Must  they  through  endless  night  of  fear  then 

go? 
The  world,  itself,  is  perishing,  and  I 
Am  crushed  and  buried  in  the  heap !    Ah, 

why 
Should  they 

(with  compassion) 
not  rise  this  moment,  now,  and  be 
Transformed  from  death  to  immortality? 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  177 

(in  earnest  prayer) 
God  save  mankind,  this  hour !    Father,  their 

need 
Is  more  than  mine!    I  pray,  may  they  be 
freed ! 

(as  if  in  prophecy) 
The  shepherds,  keeping  watch,  shall  see  the 

light 
Of  one  brave  star  of  Love.    Yea,  though  dark 

night 
Of  fear  may  settle  o'er  the  world,  they  see 
The  star  of  Truth's  new  birth  that  makes 

men  free! 
(A  bright  star  shines  clearly  down  through 
the  night  of  darkness  and  dispels  the 
gloom.    The  hands  reaching  out  for  help 
vanish  in  the  light.) 
The  star  that  images  God's  wondrous  might 
Of  health,  and  holiness,  and  endless  right. 
Death 
(as  if  disheartened) 
Thou  prayest  for  the  world?    Alas,  in  vain 
I  wait  for  thee ! 

Nehemiah 
(to  Death) 
Thy  loss  becomes  earth's  gain! 
Death's  dream  is  false !   (triumphantly)  An- 
other comes  to  say: 


178  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

"Where  is  thy  sting?"  and  where,  grave,  is 

thy  way 
Of  victory  ? 
(Death  sinks  to  the  floor  and  falls  into  a 

dead  sleep,   Nehemiah  laughs  joyously.) 
Death  takes  the  form  of  sleep. 
This  is  the  one  disguise  that  death  would 

keep. 

(Nehemiah  calls  messengers; 

two  men  enter.) 

Come,  Messengers,  and  carry  out  this  form 

Of  death.    Disguised  as  sleep,  death  seeks  to 

harm 
All  men.     Self,   self  alone!     Death's  very 

curse 
Is  finite  fear  of  self — could  there  be  worse? 
Death  is  nor  person,  place,  nor  anything — 
Its  one  disguise  is  self  and  suffering. 

(The   messengers   carry   Death   from   the 
stage.  Nehemiah  turns  back  to  his  work. 

Enter  Enemy.    He  is  the  counterfeit  of 
Nehemiah.) 

Tis  finished,  as  our  enemies  shall  see. 
My  God,  think  thou  upon  them,  those  who 

cursed 
Our  labor !    Not  for  once,  not  once,  I  durst 
Not  think  of  them! 


the  king's  cupbearer  179 

Enemy 

(Waving  the  Union  Flag, — to  Nehemiah.) 

Come,  we  will  talk  of  thee.  Come,  hell,  come, 
home! 

Come,  let  us  ponder  thy  life's  martyrdom! 

I  can  reverse  thy  victory  over  death; 

I  still  can  rob  thee  of  thy  very  breath. 

(Exit  the  five  women.  Enemy  beckons  as  if 
to  unseen  allies.  All  of  the  evil  mes- 
sengers previously  appearing  in  this  scene 
hasten  in,  each  bearing  in  one  hand  a 
flaming  vial  of  boiling  oil  and  pitch,  and 
in  the  other  a  national  emblem.  Flags 
of  all  nations  are  displayed.  The  mes- 
sengers war  among  themselves.  In  his 
effort  to  separate  them  and  establish 
peace,  Nehemiah  is  fairly  flooded  with 
the  burning  oil  and  tar.  A  beautiful 
woman  enters  slowly  and  seats  herself  at 
a  table  at  right,  quite  aloof  from  the  war- 
ring messengers.  In  one  hand  she  holds 
an  open  Book  of  the  Law,  and  in  the 
other  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  She  has  the 
appearance  of  a  woman-child.  She  is  sat- 
isfied, radiant,  prosperous.  Heaps  of  gold 
and  bright  colored  toys  are  laid  constantly 
on  the  table  before  her  by  pages,  who 
quickly  enter  and  leave.    Enemy  seizes  a 


180  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

small  messenger  wrapped  in  a  tattered 
green  flag,  and  stationed  before  Nehe- 
MIAH,  crushes  the  child  under  foot. 
Enemy  attempts  to  strangle  the  waif 
with  the  Union  Flag.  The  child,  mock- 
ingly  and  vivaciously  attempting  to  talk 
and  moan  in  one  breath,  frequently 
escapes  from  Enemy's  grasp,  and  limps 
pver  to  the  woman,  only  to  be  roughly 
dragged  back  by  Enemy  to  again  obstruct 
Nehemiah's  vision.  Nehemiah  appears 
burdened.  Unsuccessful  in  separating 
the  warring  messengers,  he  looks  eagerly 
toward  the  woman  for  help.  She  sends 
money  and  scrolls  of  advice  through  her 
pages  to  Nehemiah  and  the  messengers, 
but  makes  no  effort  to  enter  into  the 
struggle.) 

Desire-to-be- Alone 
We  are  Desire-to-be-Alone,  sin's  throng 
Of  evil  messengers — ^we  are  pride's  strong 
Desire  to  think  of  self  for  good  or  ill. 
Desire  to  be  alone  is  our  one  will. 
Nehemiah 
(beseechingly,  to  the  woman) 
Why  should'st  thou  stand  aloof  forever? 
(Nehemiah  attempts  to  steady  the  wall  and 
at  the  same  time  to  read  from  the  Book  of 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  181 

the  Latv,  while  Enemy,  flaunting  the 
Union  Flag  and  crushing  the  lame  child, 
interferes.  With  hack  to  the  wall,  by  a 
supreme  effort,  Nehemiah  keeps  the 
structure  from  crashing,) 

Woman  of  Nations,  come,  and  aid  me  now! 
Desire-to-be- Alone 

My  boundaries  are  safe.    I  am  at  peace. 

Why  should  I  ever  enter  quarrels  like  these? 

I  need  not  Ifight.    I  need  not  be  dismayed, 

When  I  can  stand  alone  and  unafraid! 

(As  Nehemiah  beckons,  one  by  one  the  mes- 
sengers come  to  the  support  of  the  totter- 
ing wall.  Each  places  his  national  en- 
sign as  a  support  to  the  crumbling  struc- 
ture. As  this  is  done,  the  flags  of  many 
nations  are  hidden  from  view,  Desire- 
to-be-Alone  wraps  her  Stars  and  Stripes 
closely  about  her,  and  refuses  to  move,) 

Earth's  tumult  wearies  me.    I  love  to  rest 

Secure  in  my  own  peace,  yea,  this  is  best! 

God  has  been  good  to  give  me  this  safe  place, 

So  far  away  from  sin  and  war.    His  grace 

Hath  well  protected  me! 
Nehemiah 
(to  Desire-to-be- Alone) 

To  think  of  one's  own  self  is  at  a  loss. 

God's  secret  place  is  here!    I  bear  no  cross. 


182  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

I   know   thee,   troops   of   persons,   nations, 

things— 
Thou  art  desire-to-be-alone,  which  brings 
These  barriers  of  hell  to  me  and  thee. 
Though  multitudes  are  with  me,  I  am  free ! 

Desire-to-be- Alone 
Why  should  I  go?     I  rest  here  so  secure! 
Though  every; nation  fall,  I  shall  endure. 
My  gold  is  plentiful.    I  have  great  gain. 
I  am  protected,  too,  from  war  and  pain! 

Nehemiah 
(To  the  woman) 
Desire  to  share,  desire  to  do  and  give, 
Desire  to  lend  thyself  that  men  may  live, — 
This,  then,  is  joyous  rest, — home,  heaven,  all. 
Desire  to  be  with  men,  to  heed  the  call 
Of  all  mankind, — yea,  each  desire  to  be 
With  others  brings  life,  immortality. 
Woman,  thine  isolation  thou  shalt  give 
That  all  the  nations  of  the  world  may  live. 

(The  woman  plays  with  her  toys.) 
Thou  shalt  yet  leave  thy  nursery  and  come 
Out  among  men  and  make  the  world  thine 

home. 
Thou  shalt  retain  thy  childlike  joy  and  ways 
And    thus    redeem    all    nations.      God    be 

praised ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  183 

Desire-to-be- Alone 
The  troubles  of  this  world  are  not  for  me, 
I  shall  remain  alone,  protected,  free! 
Nehemiah 

(looking  longingly  toward  the  woman) 
Desire  to  be  alone  is  worse  than  death, — 
It  robs  mankind  of  all.    One's  very  breath 
Is  giving  and  receiving.    God  is  good. 
And  in  His  law,  all  things  are  understood 
When  men  and  nations  speak  of  God  each 

hour 
And  long  to  be  with  others.    Yea,  the  pow'r 
Of  Truth  is  mighty  as  we  know  each  one 
Who  speaks  proclaims  the  Father's  will  is 

done. 
(One  by  one  as  the  messengers  come  to  the 

support  of  the  wall  and  surrender  a  na- 
tional emblem,  Nehemiah  bows  his  head 

in  prayer,) 
Father,  I  thank  Thee,  thank  Thee,  I  thank 

Thee. 
I  thank  Thee,  Father,  to  be  with  Thee  and 

Thine 
Own  children.  Thine  own  nations.  Thine  and 

mine! 
Father,  I  thank  Thee. 
(Nehemiah  turns  away  as  if  seeking  no 

longer  the  woman's  aid.    He  has  not  ob- 


184  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

served  Enemy's  cruel  treatment  of  the 
lame  child.  The  wall  is  about  to  cra^h. 
Each  messenger  now,  with  back  to  the 
wall,  is  aiding  in  the  support  The  woman 
reads  calmly  on  and  counts  her  gold.) 

Desire-to-be- Alone 

I  love  to  be  alone.    This  is  my  gain, — 

To  stand  aloof  from  war  and  want  and  pain. 

(As  Nehemiah  speaks,  darkness  enfolds  the 

woman.    She  still  endeavprs  to  read.) 

Nehemiah 
(as  if  in  prophecy) 

Friends,  a  nation's  need 
One  day  shall  be  to  dwell  with  others.  Freed 
From  lonely  sepulchre,  her  men  shall  rise 
Leagued  with  a  world,  united.    Paradise 
Is    gained    through    guarding    all    earth's 

brotherhoood. 
This  nation  shall  surrender  naught  of  good. 
She  having  sought  a  quiet  place  of  rest. 
Shall  find  her  peace,  all  that  is  true  and  best, 
In  dwelling  with  the  nations  of  the  earth, — 
A  world  shall  waken,  then,  to  Love's  new 
birth. 

Desire-to-be- Alone 
God  surely  favored  me  when  I  was  born 
So  far  remote  from  war  and  sin  and  harm ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  185 

(Darkness  as  of  the  sepulchre  enfolds  the 
woman.    The  wall  is  about  to  crash.) 

Nehemiah 
Who  dwells  in  peace  with  others  shall  not 

find 
Within  the  tomb  a  lonely  dwelling  place. 
Each  one  shall  see  his  Maker  face  to  face. 

(Nehemiah  hxis  turned  away  as  if  he  had 
completely  forgotten  the  woman.  For  the 
first  time,  he  beholds  Enemy's  inhumane 
treatment  of  the  lame  child,  Nehemiah 
snatches  the  Union  Flag  from  Enemy's 
grasp  and  hides  the  emblem  behind  the 
wall.  The  child,  still  lame,  but  freed, 
hobbles  laughingly  to  the  woman.  Stone 
after  stone  crashes  unnoticed  upon  Nehe- 
miah's  head.) 

Desire-to-be-Alone 

I  see  it  all.    I  loved  God  well  but  men 
I  have  not  loved!    I  shall  awaken  when 
My  love  for  men  is  born, — ^the  sons  of  earth. 

(clasping  the  lame  child  in  her  arms) 
I  shall  awaken  then  to  Love's  new  birth. 
This  joyous  child  shall  talk  and  laugh  and 

sing; 


186  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  weep  no  more, — then  shall  earth's  suffer- 
ing 
Forever  cease.    This  child  knows  government 
As  well  as  others  since  God's  word  is  sent 
To  rule. 

Nehemiah 
(As  Enemy  exits) 

This  enemy  of  mine  shall  no  more  claim 
That  he  must  govern  all  the  earth. 

(Tenderly  to  the  child) 

No  name 
Like  thine,  dear  child,  the  world  shall  ever 

know. 
Thou  hast  awakened  men  from  self  and  woe. 
Nations  and  men  awaken  now  to  find 
There  is  one  government,  the  law  of  Mind. 

(The  ivoman,  thrusting  all  of  her  gold  within 
the  Stars  and  Stripes,  and  holding  by  the 
hand  the  child,  now  walking  straight^ 
hastens  to  the  fast  crumbling  wall.  The 
child,  affectionately  embracing  each  mes- 
senger in  passing,  goes  to  NEHEMIAH  and 
lovingly  takes  his  hand.  The  child  joy- 
ously  tosses  his  green  flag  over  the  wall. 
As  the  woman  hurls  past  the  wall  the  huge 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  187 

bundle  of  gold  wrapped  in  the  Stars  and 
Stripes,  the  structure  straightens  hut 
does  not  stand  secure.  The  child,  trans- 
formed, now  strong  and  agile,  expresses 
much  joy  while  he  dances  vivaciously 
about  The  woman,  holding  aloft  the 
Book  of  the  Law,  enters  in  the  dance  with 
the  child  while  they  together  pray  the 
words  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  Nehemiah 
and  the  messengers  look  up  suddenly  as 
if  startled.  With  Nehemiah  leading,  all 
messengers  holding  their  positions  before 
the  wall,  join  in  the  prayer  of  the  woman 
and  child,  and  as  they  pray,  they  dance. 
The  wall  stands  almost  if  not  quite  secure. 
The  woman,  laughing  joyously,  stands  at 
the  right  of  the  wall.  Nehemiah  and  the 
messengers  are  at  first  startled  at  her 
joy,  but,  after  a  moment,  they  all  join 
in  her  happiness.  The  woman  at  one 
end  reads  in  the  bright  light  the  Book  of 
the  Law  and,  as  she  does  so,  the  wall 
stands  straight  and  true.  The  messengers, 
representing  the  nations  of  the  world, 
stand  at  her  left,  Nehemiah  at  the  ex- 
treme left  with  the  Book  of  the  Law  in 
one  hand,  and  with  the  other  raised  in 
grateful  benediction,  prays.  In  the  bright 


188  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

light  it  is  seen  that  the  woman  is  Under- 
standing.) 
This  work  is  wrought  of  God.     Yea,  He, 

alone, 
Hath  surely  built  this  wall,  stone  upon  stone. 

{to  the  woman) 
Thou  art  Desire-to-be-with-Others.    See! 
(Pointing  triumphantly  to  the  messengers , 

who  rest  easily  beside  the  fortified  walL) 
Woman,  thine  hand  hath  set  the  whole  world 

free! 
'Tis  plain  why  I  alone  have  failed  to  save, 
I  have  been  weary,  burdened,  far  too  grave. 
The  world  has  need  of  childlike  joy  and  rest, 
And  true  responsibility.    'Tis  best 
That  we  should  always  build  together  now. 
While  I  must  learn  of  thee,  blest  woman, 

thou 
May  learn  of  me  to  love  the  sons  of  earth ; 
Thus  shall  we  each  rejoice  in  Truth's  new 

birth. 
Thou    art    the    Understanding    men    have 

sought 
So  long,  the  childlike  joy,  not  one  has  bought 
Save  with  the  price  of  giving  all.    Blest  one. 
Woman  of  Nations,  God's  will  now  is  done! 


the  king's  cupbearer  189 

Understanding 
From  this  time  forth,  my  words  are  spoken 

last. 
Whene'er  I  speak,  the  woes  of  earth  are  past. 
My  work  is  to  be  glad !    This  is  Truth's  way 
Of  doing  all. 

(with  hands  extended  joyoitsly,  the  wpman 
laughs  as  she  prays) 
Rejoicingly  we  pray ! 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  191 


CANTICLE  IX 

Sabbath  Rest,  Followed  by  Eva's 
Accusations 

Description  :  Showing  completed  walls.  The 
bright  light  of  a  Sabbath 
morning  shines  over  all. 

Discovered:  A  vast  company  of  men, 
women,  and  children,  sing- 
ing praises  for  the  complex 
tion  of  the  walls. 

All 

{singing  together) 

"0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord :  for  He  is  good ; 

for  His  mercy  endureth  forever. 
O  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods ;  for  His 

mercy  endureth  forever. 
0  give  thanks  to  the  Lord  of  lords;  for  His 

mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  Him  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders ;  for 
His  mercy  endureth  forever." 

(Ps.  136:1-4.) 


192  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

{Enter  Nehemiah  with  Hanani 
and  Hananiah) 
Nehemiah 
{to  Hanani  and  Hananiah) 
I  give  thee  charge  over  Jerusalem, — 
The  while  I  depart  to  my  lord,  the  King. 
Let  thy  singers  sing  a  glad  anthem; 
Everyone  faithful  let  him  praise  and  sing : 
Glory  to  God  on  High! 

Hanani 
{to  Nehemiah) 

I  take  thy  charge. 
Nehemiah 
{to  Hananiah) 
"Let  not  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  be  opened 

until  the  sun  be  hot; 
And  while  they  stand  by, 
Let  them  shut  the  doors,  and  bar  them : 
And  appoint  watches  of  the  inhabitants  of 

Jerusalem 
Every  one  in  his  watch. 
And  every  one  to  be  over  against  his  house." 
Thou  art  a  captain,  commanded  to  keep 
Watch  over  Israel;  faint  not  nor  sleep. 

(Nehemiah  7:3.) 
Nehemiah 
(to  Ezra,  the  Scribe) 
Bring  the  Book  of  the  Law  of  Moses 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  193 

Which  the  Lord  hath  commanded  to  Israel. 

Bring  the  Book.    Let  its  pages  tell 

The  words  of  the  Law,  which  the  Lord,  our 

God 
Hath  commanded  to  Israel. 
(Ezra,  the  priest,  brings  the  Book  of  the  Law 

before  the  men  and  women;  and  reads 

therein  before  the  water  gate.    He  stands 

upon  a  pulpit  of  wood.    Beside  him  stand 

several  men.) 

Ezra 
(reading  from  parchment  Bible) 
"Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone; 
Thou  hast  made  heaven,  the  heaven  of 

heavens, 
With  all  their  host,  the  earth,  and  all  the 

things  that  are  therein. 
The  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein, 
And  thou  preserveth  them  all; 
And  the  host  of  heaven  worshippeth  thee. 
Thou  art  the  Lord  the  God,  who  didst  choose 

Abram, 
And  broughtest  him  forth  out  of  Ur  of  the 

Chaldees, 
And  gavest  him  the  name  of  Abraham; 
And  didst  see  the  affliction  of  our  fathers 

in  Egypt, 
And  heardest  their  cry  by  the  Red  sea ; 


194  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  shewedst  signs  and  wonders  upon 

Pharaoh, 
And  on  all  his  servants,  and  on  all  the  people 

of  his  land:  for  thou  knewest 
That  they  dealt  proudly  against  them. 
And  Thou  did'st  divide  the  sea  before  them, 

so 
That  they  went  through  the  midst  of  the  sea 

on  the  dry  land." 

(Nehemiah  9:6,  7,  9,  10,  11.) 

(The  people  weep  as  the  Law  is  read,) 
Nehemiah 
(to  All) 
This  day  is  holy  unto  the  Lord  your  God ; 
Mourn  not,  nor  weep. 
Mourn  not,  nor  weep. 
Go  your  way  (to  the  people  who  still  weep), 

eat  the  fat,  and  drink  the  sweet. 
And  send  portions  unto  them  for  whom 

nothing  is  prepared: 
For  this  day  is  holy  unto  our  Lord: 
Neither  be  ye  sorry; 

For  the  joy  of  the  Lord  is  your  strength. 
The  Levites 
(on  either  side  of  Ezra) 
"Hold  your  peace  for  the  day  is  holy; 
Neither  be  ye  grieved." 
(The  pepple  who  have  prostrated  themselves 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  195 

rise  with  olive  branches,  and  pine 
branches,  and  myrtle  branches,  and  palms, 
and  branches  of  thick  trees,  and  sing  to- 
g  ether,) 

All 
{singing  together) 
This  day  is  a  day  of  gladness, 
For  we  have  comprehended 
The  words  of  the  law  which  were  read  to  us. 

0  Lord,  Thy  name  we  bless. 

{exeunt  singers) 

Nehemiah 
{to  Hanani) 

1  appoint  thee  keeper  of  this  wall, 
And  all  Jerusalem.    Pray, 

Let  not  vain  pride,  nor  power  nor  human 

sway 
Cause  one  stone  e'er  to  fall. 

{to  Eliashib,  a  relative  of  Tobiah, 
pointing  to  temple) 
Watch  o'er  yon  temple  wisely.  Israel 
Shall  be  redeemed.    God  keep  thee!    All  is 

well! 
To-day  I  return  to  my  lord,  the  King 
Of  Babylon.    Indeed,  I  go  to  bring 
Him  homage,  gratitude,  and  loyalty. 


196  the  king's  cupbearer 

All 
May  peace  and  joy  and  health,  be  e'er  with 

thee! 
(As  the  last  words  are  spoken  in  farewell, 
enter  two  messengers  from  Artaxerxes, 
the  King.   All  exeunt  save  Nehemiah.) 
First  Messenger 
(hastily  to  Nehemiah) 
A  letter  to  thee,  sir,  thy  lord,  the  King, 
Commissioned  me  to  come,  quickly  to  bring 
This  message. 

Nehemiah 
(Taking  letter,  reads  it  as  if  not  understand- 
ing its  contents.    He  continues  to  read,  as 
if  puzzled,) 

I  was  going  there — ^to-day — 
To  Persia — I  seek  to  be  a  king?  (reading) 

May 
I  be  punished  if  'tis  true, — I  seek, — I 
(reac^m^r) To  be  a  king?  (puzzled)     Of  what 

and  wherefore?    Why 
Should  I  be  king  when  there  is  One,  alone, — 
The  God  in  heaven?  (reading)  "And  thou 

must  well  atone 
For  all  thy  vanity.    I  trusted  thee 
And  now  thou,  traitor-like  (reading) , 

would'st  pillage  me 
Of  mine  own  kingdom.    Thou  must  surely  be 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  197 

An  ingrate,  so  Sanballat  says,  and  he 
Hath  proof  whereof  he  speaks.    I  know  no 

way 
Save  punishment  to  curb  thy  wicked  sway." 

Second  Messenger 
(while  First  Messenger  steps  to  Nehemi- 

ah's  side  and  both  bind  him  with  chains) 
We  take  thee  prisoner. 

Nehemiah 
(to  Messengers) 

I  was  to  come 
Of  myself  as  King's  Cupbearer,  (pondering) 

My  home 
Is  not  an  earthly  kingdom.    God  is  good, 
And  He,  indeed,  hath  surely  understood. 
This  work  upon  the  walls,  canst  thou  not 
see 

(pointing  with  chained  hand  to  wall) 
Was  truly  mine  own  kingdom !    Just  to  free 
Another  from  the  curse  of  poverty 
And  sin  and  fear,  my  friends,  is  all  I  ask 
Of  earthly  kingdom, — just  my  daily  task. 

(as  if  explaining  a  vision) 
I  seek  to  be  a  king?    If  this  should  be, 
The  friendship  of  the  world  is  not  for  me. 
Who  longs  for  understanding,  now  may  gain 
The  friendship  of  the  world  in  Love's  true 
name. 


198  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(Enter  Understanding.^ 
Understanding 
{to  Nehemiah) 
In  years  to  come,  a  jealous  world  shall  aim 
To  drag  a  nation  down  to  hell  and  shame, 
Brave  nation,  suffering,  till  her  crown  is  cast 
Aside  for  work, — then  creeds  and  caste  shall 

last 
No  more  in  churches,  nations,  business, — 

then 
We  shall  have  peace  among  the  sons  of  men. 
And  when  she  no  more  governs,  then  man- 
kind 
Is  governed  by  the  healing  word  of  good, — 
That    day.    Mind's    law    shall   heal    earth's 

brotherhood. 
In  years  to  come,  this  nation's  love  shall  hold 
Rightly  its  royal  kingship  till  the  gold 
Of  character  is  chastened, — well  refined — 
A  kingdom  shall  retain  her  king,  till  Mind 
Shall  reign  supreme  o'er  all;  then  worlds 

shall  prove 
The  King  of  all  the  heav'n,  and  earth,  is 

Love! 
{Exit  Nehemiah  hound  with  chains  between 
the  two  messengers,) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  199 


CANTICLE  X 


Description:  A     vast    underground    rock- 
quarry.      Blinding    sw,oke 
from  the   blasting,     Deso- 
late,  weird  surroundings. 
Discovered:     Several  slaves  and  overseer 
silently  at  work  crushing 
stones.     They   each  groan 
under  the  desperate  burden 
of  the  work,     Sanballat 
and  Geshem  stand  at  one 
side  and  watch  the  workers 
with  sinister  glee. 
Time:     Several  years  later, 
{Enter  Nehemiah.     He  is  carrying  heavy 
blasting  materials.   He  lays  down  his  bur- 
den and  begins  hewing  out  the  largest  of 
the  rocks.    As  he  works,  just  above  him 
Understanding  holds  aloft  the  Declara- 
tion   of    Independence    and    drops    this 
precious  manuscript,  page  by  page,  into 
the  fire  below.    Nehemiah  smiles  grate- 
fully at  Understanding  and,  taking  from 
his  bosom  a  croivn  of  gold,  heightened 


200  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

with  four  crosses,  he  drops  it  thought- 
fully in  the  flames  below.  Again  Nehe- 
MIAH  glimpses  the  completed  Temple  and 
wall  of  Jerusalem,  A  wondrous  city  lies 
beyond.  His  work  upon  the  stones  is 
easily  accomplished.  Finally,  a  vision  pf 
the  Statue  of  Liberty  appears  at  the 
entrance  to  earth's  Promised  Land.  For 
a  brief  moment,  Nehemiah  extends  both 
hands  as  if  in  joyous  greeting  to  the 
womanly  traits  of  love  and  tenderness, 
typified  in  this  statue,  which  must 
eventually  spiritualize  the  universe;  and 
as  he  reaches  out  his  hands,  the  very 
stones  about  him  fall  of  themselves  to 
pieces  as  if  made  ready  for  use  without 
human  effort.  All  about  Nehemiah,  the 
other  slaves  who  behold  no  vision,  are 
moaning  bitterly  over  their  tasks.  San- 
BALLAT,  Geshem,  and  TOBIAH  disccm  Ne- 
hemiah's  joy  and  work.  Together  they 
plan  to  further  punish  Nehemiah.  Dur- 
ing this  scene,  no  word  is  spoken.) 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  201 


CANTICLE  XI 


"There  Is  Nothing  Covered,  That  Shall 
Not  Be  Revealed;" 

(Matthew  10:26.) 

Description  :  Same  as  Canticle  L  The  Per- 
sian Court. 
Discovered:  King  Artaxerxes  and  Queen 
on  throne.  Royal  festivities. 
A  strange  Cupbearer  is 
serving  wine. 
Time  :  Nine  years  later  than  Canticle 

VIII. 
The  King 
(to  Messenger) 
And  so  Sanballat  comes  to  us  to-day? 
Messenger 
(to  King) 
Blest  King,  Sanballat  comes,  and  Geshem, 
too. 

The  King 
(observing  the  new  Cupbearer  as  he  goes 
about  his  task  serving  wine — to  Messen- 
ger) 


202  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Tell  me,  how  is  my  Cupbearer  of  time  long 
past? 

Messenger 
(to  King) 
Nehemiah? 

King  and  Queen 
{eagerly,  together) 
Nehemiah. 

Messenger 
Tis  true  to  watch  and  pray 
And  work,  is  all  he  ever  seeks  to  do. 

The  King 
Some  one  has  said  his  peace  and  joy  e'er  last. 

Messenger 
Tis  very  true ;  the  hardest,  roughest  task 
Is  not  too  much,  indeed,  for  him  to  ask 
To  do. 

The  King 

Where  is  he  working  now,  my  son? 

Messenger 

(to  King) 

He  toils  within  thy  quarries,  till  the  sun 

Sinks  low.    Thou  dost,  blest  King  of  Persia, 

know 
That  he  was  doomed  with  convict-slaves  to 

give 
His  days  to  crushing  stones,  that  he  might 
live, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  203 

Or  merely  might  exist  through  days  of  woe, — 
This  was  his  punishment,  my  Lord  and  King. 
Because  Sanballat  said  he  sought  to  bring 
Himself  to  higher  power, — ^to  rule,  perchance, 
Within  Jerusalem. 

The  King 
(pondering) 

He  has  had  chance 
To  murmur  (thinking  deeply).    Yea,  I  know 

that  he  was  sent 
To  toil  on  yonder  pile  of  stones,  till  bent 
And  old  he  should  become. 

(As  if  aroitsing  to  new  interest,) 

Does  he  complain? 

Messenger 

Not  at  his  work!    He  holds  as  richest  gain 

A  task  that  takes  all  courage.     There  are 

days 
When  those  who  watch  him  toil,  say  that  ho 

prays 
Unceasingly. 

The  King 
What  is  his  prayer? 

Messenger 
That  fortified  Jerusalem  may  stand. 

The  King 
Would  he  return? 


204  the  king's  cupbearer 

Messenger 
Of  this  he  does  not  pray.    He  ofttimes  says 
With  deepest  love,  that  God  in  His  own  ways 
Must  keep  Jerusalem — shall  guard  it  well — 
That  God  is  King,  alone. 

The  King 
And  does  he  tell 
Of  his  own  wondrous  work  upon  the  wall? 

Messenger 
Not  once.     He  always  prays  no  stone  may 

fall. 
(Enter  Sanballat  and  Geshem  with  sev- 
eral attendants.    They  all  kneel  before  the 
King  and  Queen.    The  King  gives  them 
(permission  to  arise,) 
The  King 
(to  Sanballat  and  Geshem) 
Governors,  thy  wishes? 

Sanballat 

We  came  to  say 
The  punishment  thou  gav*st  still  does  not 

stay 
His  joy. 

The  King 
What  meanest  thou?    Speak  on. 

Sanballat 
Nine  years  ago,  we  came  and  told  thee.  King, 
Of  one  knave,  Nehemiah.    We  would  bring 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  205 

Thee  safety,  King,  again  to-day.    Ye  gave 
A  punishment  to  him,  nine  years  ago. 
Because  he  sought  to  make  himself  a  knave 
In  trying  to  be  king.    I  told  thee  this, 
I  come  once  more  to  tell  thee,  thou  shouldst 

know 
He  truly  seems  to  love  the  task  that  thou 
Hast  given  him  for  punishment,  and  now 
It  would  seem  wise  to  change  his  work  again, 
And  give  him  duties  that  would  cause  him 

pain. 

The  King 

(incredulotisly) 

Thou  sayest  he  loves  his  toil  as  felon  slave? 

Geshem 
(to  King) 
He  truly  does!    Ha,  ha,  (scornfully)  he  is  a 
knave. 

The  King 
(thoughtfully) 
What  shall  I  give  him,  then,  to  do  that  he 
May  still  be  punished  for  disloyalty? 

Sanballat 

(wickedly) 

It  may  seem  strange,  indeed,  to  thee,  blest 

King, 
But  I  have  thought  it  would  be  suffering 


206  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

For  him,  if  thou  wouldst  bring  him  unto 

thee, 
Within  thy  court,  and  offer  fealty 
And  homage  to  him,  give  him  ease  and  gain. 
I  know  him  well!  (chuckling)  I'm  sure,  to 

him,  'twere  pain 
To  idle  festive  hours  away  in  ease. 
I  surely  know,  he  would  not  relish  these 
Gay,  feasting  days  of  Court  life.    Ah,  I  know 
To  him  it  would  be  misery  and  woe. 
The  King 
(doubtfully) 
To  him  it  would  be  misery  and  woe? 
Sanballat 
(with  decision) 
To  him,  it  would  be  misery  and  woe. 
The  King 
(to  Court  Messengers) 
Bring  Nehemiah,  and  each  convict  slave 
Who  toils  on  yonder  pile.    It  is  the  hour 
Of  day  when  each  is  coming  from  his  work. 
Geshem 
(delightedly) 
Ah,  we  shall  see  again  that  fool  and  knave 
Who  loves  his  labor.    King,  increase  thy 

power, 
And  give  him  work  that  he  will  loathe  and 
shirk, — 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  207 

Give  Nehemiah  work  that  he  will  hate ! 
Sanballat 
(to  King) 
Twould  be  just  punishment.    Why  longer 

wait? 
(Enter  Messengers  and  several  galley  slaves, 
including  the  overseer  of  the  squad  of 
toilers,) 

Messenger 

(to  King) 

Thy  subjects,  King  of  Persia,  now  are  here. 

(pointing  to  slaves) 

Overseer 
(explaining  to  King) 
Save  Nehemiah;  he  had  work  o'er  there, 
Upon  yon  pile  of  stones.    He  ever  stays 
Long  past  the  hours  of  all  his  working  days. 
I  say,  "Enough's  enough!"    We  toil  all  day, 
Yea,  thirteen  hours, — more  than  this  time, 

I  say 
We  cannot  serve!    The  hours  are  very  long, 
Except  for  him  who  always  works  with  song 
Upon  his  lips.    For  him,  the  day  is  ever  very 

brief ; 
But  for  the  rest  of  us, 

(with  wave  of  hand  he  indicates  the 
slaves  about  him) 

0  King,  our  grief 


208  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Is  very  great! 

The  King 
(addressing  the  other  slaves) 
My  men,  and  what  say*st  thou? 
Men 
(almost  moaning) 
King,  for  the  rest  of  us,  our  misery 
Is  very  great. 

Sanballat 
(eagerly) 
I  told  thee  so,  my  King ! 
This  Nehemiah  should  have  suffering, 
Deep  suffering,  and  pain,  and  want,  and  woe ! 
Geshem 
(to  King) 
This  man  who  sought  to  be  a  King  should 

know 
The  pangs  of  hell.    His  work  should  day  by 

day 
Be  weary  burden  wearing  life  away. 
The  King 
(to  Messenger) 
Bring  Nehemiah,  tell  him  I  send  word 
For  him  to  come  at  once, — let  this  be  heard. 
(exit  Messenger  hastily) 
(to  Sanballat  and  Geshem  with  tone 
indicating  doubt) 
I  took  thy  oaths,  my  Governors,  the  day 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  209 

I  sent  him  to  yon  stone  pile.    Now  the  way 
Grows  complicated.    What  am  I  to  do 
To  punish  him?    It  may,  indeed,  be  true 
He  hath  not  yet  atoned ;  and,  yet,  I  trust, 
We  have  judged  righteous  judgment.     Ah, 

we  must 
Ask  Nehemiah's  God  this  time  to  tell 
Just  what  is  right  to  do, — that  which  is  well. 
(The  King  hows  his  head  a  moment,  as  if  in 
prayer.    The  Queen,  also,  bows  her  head 
reverently,      Sanballat    and    Geshem 
shift  from  one  foot  to  another,  clear  their 
throats,  and  appear  annoyed.) 
Sanballat 
(anxiotisly  interrupting,  to  King) 
The  question  is  a  simple  one.    I  know 
An  easy  life  at  Court  would  bring  him  woe. 
(enter  Nehemiah) 
Nehemiah 
(he  has  grown  older,  yet  more  radiant;  he  is 
dressed  as  a  rough  workman) 
(joyously) 
King,  hast  thou  sent  for  me  to  come,  I  pray? 

The  King 
(Appears  deeply  moved.    The  Queen  looks 
at  Nehemiah  with  the  tender  expression 
of  a  mother.) 
Yea,  Prince,  (pauses  a^  if  embarrassed)    I 


210  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

sent  for  thee — (hesitatingly)  for  thee — 

to  say 
That  thou  shalt  live  in  ease  within  my  sight, 
As  royal  Cupbearer.    Thou  may'st  begin 
To  choose  thine  own  attendants.    Bring  the 

ring 
And  royal  robe  (to  attendant), 
(Attendant  brings  at  once  a  costly  satin  robe 

of  many  colors  and  places  the  garment 

tenderly  in  Nehemiah's  hands,     Nehe- 

MIAH  drops  the  robe  quickly  to  the  ground 

and  covers  his  face  with  his  hands  as  if 

grieved,) 
Thou  shalt  have  riches,  honor,  power,  might. 
(Nehemiah  picks  the  robe  up  from  the  floor 

as  if  fulfilling  a  duty.    He  shudders  as  his 

rough  hands  touch  the  soft  satin,) 
Why  speakest  thou  not  to  me?    Hast  thou 

naught 
To  say,  thou  menial  slave,  with  ransom 

bought 
And  paid  for  by  thy  King?    Wouldst  thou 

not  come 
And  serve  as  Cupbearer  within  my  home 
And  court? 

Nehemiah 
(to  King  while  he  looks  longingly  toward 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  211 

the  Overseer) 
King,  there  is  much  to  do,  as  he  (indicating 

Overseer)  can  tell. 
I  should  not  leave  my  work.  'Twould  not  be 

well 
With  thee  (to  Overseer)  and  all  thy  men. 

(turning  to  slaves) 

(Nehemiah,  still  holding  the  costly  robe, 
stands  among  the  toilers.  Unthinkingly, 
he  begins  stroking  the  soft  satin  garment. 
His  hands,  rough  with  toil,  catch  harshly 
on  the  soft  satin.  He  shudders.  To  King.) 

Blest  King,  my  very  hands  are  hardened  now 

To  toil, — ^to  roughest  work.    Why  should  I 
cease 

My  labors?    There  are  those  to  serve,  I  vow, 

Much  fitter,  in  this  Court.    Pray,  call  on 
these. 

And  let  me  go.    Blest  King,  (pleadingly) 

they're  needing  me, 

These  men  (indicating  slaves)  are  not  so 
strong  as  I. 

Ah,  see 

My  brawny  arms !  (bares  his  muscular  arms) 

The  Overseer 
(to  King) 
My  King,  one  word, 


212  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

When  he  {indicating  Nehemiah)  first  came 

to  me,  I,  too,  had  heard 
How  he  had  sought  to  be  a  king  o'er  there. 
Within  Jerusalem.    I  took  great  care 
To  make  his  punishment  full  hard,  0  King. 
I  heaped  upon  him  curses !    Suffering 
Became  his  daily  portion !    Yea,  I  know 
He  had  full  measure  in  his  meed  of  woe. 
I  hated  him!    And  why? — I  cannot  tell, — 
I  longed  to  see  him  suffer  pangs  of  hell. 
Queen  and  King 
(eagerly,  as  if  suffering) 
And  did  he  suffer? 

Overseer 
At  first,  there  were  days 
When  all  his  stones  seemed  mountains. 

Bitter  ways. 
My  King,  belong  unto  the  felon-slave. 
Well  doth  he  pay  for  all  the  hours  he  gave 
To  sin. 

The  King 
(to  Overseer) 
And  this  man  (indicating  Nehemiah),  did 
he  murmur  much? 

Overseer 
(to  King) 
Ah,  no,  my  King,  I  never  have  seen  such 
As  he !    With  every  stone  he  toiled  to  break, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  213 

It  fairly  seemed,  he  did  arise,  awake. 
To  higher  things !    My  King,  I  cannot  lend 
Him  even  unto  thee — he  is  our  friend ! 
(the  Overseer  and  slaves  crowd  lovingly 

about  Nehemiah) 
(Startled)  Ah,  what  have  I  said?    Shall  I  be 

punished  more? 
I  told  the  truth  but  did  not  think  before 
I  spoke! 

King 

(to  all — with  firmness) 

But  I  have  spoken,  and  my  word 

Is  first  and  last  our  law, — it  must  be  heard ! 

Sanballat) 

(laughing  wickedly, — to  Geshem) 

His    (indicating  Nehemiah)    happy  days,  I 

know,  are  truly  past. 
We  have  accomplished  all  we  wish  at  last ! 
King 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Speak  up,  and  tell  me — what  hast  thou  to 

say 
About  thy  work? 

Nehemiah 
(to  King) 
My  King,  just  now,  the  way 
Is  very  bright  for  me,  upon  yon  pile 


214  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Of  stones ;  if  I  might  work  there  for  a  while 
(pleadingly) 

I  know  that  I  might  help  these  men  {indica- 
ting slaves).    I  stand 

Ready  to  serve,  my  King  (pleadingly).  We 
have  had  good 

Days  yonder !  (As  if  pointing  to  stone  pile,) 
If  one  only  understood!  (earnestly) 

(Regretfully)  If  I  should — come — (slowly) 
— ^to  thee —  I  know — that — I — 

Can  do  no  more  than  come,  alas,  and  try 

To  serve  thee  well.  (As  if  convincing  himself 
of  a  duty.  Enter  Understanding.  She 
smiles  approvingly.) 

King 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Hast  thou  forgotten,  pray 
Doth  memory  recall  that  long  past  day 
Thou  wrought  upon  the  towering  walls  that 

stand 
About  Jerusalem? 

Nehemiah 
(joyously) 
Ah,  King,  my  hand 
Still  builds  those  walls. 


the  king's  cupbearer  215 

King 
(startled) 
Thy  hand  still  builds  those  walls? 

Nehemiah 

(to  King) 

Ah,  yes,  blest  King,  and  not  a  stone  e'er  falls. 

Each  rock  I  crush  o'er  there,  it  is,  indeed, 

For  these  redeemed  captives.     Yea,  their 

need 
Is  yet  my  prayer,  0  King. 
King 
(eagerly) 

And  wouldst  thou  go 
To  view  those  walls  again?    Speak,  let  me 

know! 

(Leans  forward  eagerly,    Nehemiah  kneels 

at  feet  of  King.) 

Sanballat  and  Geshem 

(afraid) 

King,  why  speakest  thou  so?  Art  thou,  then, 

mad? 
This  is  his  wish  to  go, — ^his  prayer,  ah,  had — 
We  our  own  way — 

King 
( interrupting,  firmly ) 
Hold,  fools!    I  listened  once 
To  all  thou  hadst  to  say.    I,  too,  was  dunce 


216  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

And  knave,  indeed,  to  heed  thy  foolish  lies! 
This  man,  (bending  forward,  as  he  tenderly 
places  his  hand  on  Nehemiah's  bowed 
head)  is  Prince,  indeed;  yea,  he  may  rise 
And  go  again  to  view  those  walls.   His  creed 
Of  kingship  is  to  meet  each  human  need 
With  love.    He  truly  was  a  king  o'er  there, 
E'en  at  Jerusalem,  and  monarch  where 
Those  felon-slaves  were  toiling  day  by  day. 
To  be  a  king  is  just  to  watch  and  pray! 
I  see  it  now,  yea,  all  is  very  plain; 
He  seeks  no  earthly  kingship.    No,  nor  gain 
Is  there  for  him  in  title  when  he  knows 
The  joy  of  daily  work  where'er  he  goes. 
(Summons  messengers  and  whispers  direc- 
tions.    They  chain  Sanballat  and  Ge- 
SHEM  together.) 

(To  Sanballat  and  Geshem) 
Go  forth  from  me!    Thy  faces  nevermore 
Shall  look  on  mine !    Go  forth,  the  open  door 
Of  Hades  waits  for  every  cursed  lie 
That  would  besmirch  true  manhood.    They 

shall  die, — 
These  falsehoods,  every  one,  but  man  is  free, 
Born  of  one  true  Creator,  God,  is  he! 
Such  is  the  teaching  of  his  ministry. 
(indicating  Nehemiah,  to  Sandballat  and 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  217 

Geshem) 
Thou  shalt  be  punished.    All  that  thou  hast 

said. 
Each  idle  word  thou  uttered  stand'st  as  curse 
Of  wrong  before  thee.  Yea,  thou  shalt  be  fed 
By  jealousy.    Ah,  could'st  thou  suffer  worse? 

(Sanballat  and  Geshem  with  heads  bowed 
in  shame  depart.  They  are  bound  between 
two  messengers,) 

(To  Nehemiah,  waving  him  permission  to 

arise.) 
To-morrow,  thou  and  I,  and  all  these  men, 

(indicating  slaves) 
With  our  blest  Queen,  and  Court,  shall  go 

again 
To  see  Jerusalem. 

Nehemiah 

(to  King; 

(gratefully) 

Blest  King,  our  gain 
Shall  be  to  find  those  walls  still  strongly 

stand, — 
This  is  our  kingdom,  Sire. 
King 
(to  Nehemiah) 

I  pledge  my  hand 
That  I  regret  those  long  and  bitter  days 


218  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

That  thou  hast  toiled  on  pile  of  stones.    The 

ways 
Of  blind  revenge  are  hard,  indeed,  to  bear. 

(Weeps,) 

Nehemiah 
My  King,  I  pray  thee,  do  not  have  a  care 
For  those  days;  they  were  sweet,  indeed,  to 

me, — 
Those  blessed  hours  I  knew  that  I  might  be 
A  friend  to  all  I  wrought  with.    Even,  then. 
As  slaves  condemned,  we  still  were  friends 

and — men. 
Jerusalem !     (Extending  his  arms  as  if  to  an 

invisible    City,    while    Understanding 

smiles  radiantly,)     I  see  thy  walls  again, 
Rising  about  me.     Father,   (eyes  raised  to 

heaven)  I  am  blest 
With  all  thine  hand  hath  given  me!    I  pray 
To  thank  Thee  ever  on  my  homeward  way. 
Jerusalem,  I  saw  thy  walls  arise 
Above  yon  pile  of  stones !    King,  my  surprise 
Was  very  great  when  I,  awake,  didst  see 
The  heavenly  city  come  to  set  me  free 
From  all  my  weary  toil  and  suffering! 
Ah,  thou  shalt  see  Jerusalem,  my  King! 
The  new  Jerusalem,  with  walls  built  high, — 
High  unto  heaven  that  he  who  passeth  by 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  219 

May  see  the  remnant  now  is  safe,  indeed, 
Within  the  city,  coming  down  from  heaven, 
The  city,  founded  peaceably,  and  given 
To  Love  and  Life  and  joy  and  work;  yea, 

these 
Are  its  foundation  stones. 

Understanding 

The  God  of  peace 
Hath  built  Jerusalem!    And,  over  all. 
The  Father  watcheth  tenderly!    The  wall 
Of  His  protecting  love  stands  strong  and  true 
About  the  remnant !    Israel's  captive  Jew 
Hath  been  redeemed!     He  is  not  bond,  nor 

free, 
Nor  male,  nor  female,  Jew,  nor  Greek  is  he ! 
Messiah's  hope  shall  free!    The  world  shall 

see 

(to  all,  as  if  prophesying) 
Jerusalem!    Father,  thanks  be  to  Thee. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  221 


CANTICLE  XII. 


Casting    Personal    Ownership,    Human 

Goodness  and  Human  Power  out  of 

THE  Temple.    Salvation. 

Description:  Same  as  Canticle  VIII . 
Discovered  :    All  the  people  gathered  before 

the  walls  at  mid-day. 
Time:  Ten  days  later. 

All 

(intoning) 
"The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness 

thereof ; 
The  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 
For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 
And  established  it  upon  the  floods. 
Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord? 
Or  who  shall  stand  in  His  holy  place  ? 
He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart; 
Who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity, 
Nor  sworn  deceitfully. 
He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord, 
And  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  sal- 
vation. 


222  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Lift  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates; 

And  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors: 

And  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  glory? 

The  Lord  strong  and  mighty, 

The  Lord  mighty  in  battle. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates ; 

Yea,  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors: 

And  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  the  King  of  glory? 

The  Lord  of  hosts. 

He  is  the  King  of  glory."        (Psalm  24.) 
Ezra 

(Reading,   before  the  people,  from  Isaiah 
52:1.) 

"Awake,  awake ;  put  on  thy  strength,  0  Zion ; 

put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  0  Jerusalem, 

the  holy  city:  for  henceforth  there  shall  no 

more  come  into  thee  the  uncircumcised  and 

the  unclean." 

(Closes  the  hook,  and  turning,  looks  intently 
at  the  temple.  All  the  people  look  toward 
the  temple,  Eliashib  is  seen  running  up 
and  down  the  steps  of  the  temple  carry- 
ing armsful  of  Tobiah's  personal  belong- 
ings, such  as  robes,  caps,  shoes,  etc.  Some 
of  these  belongings  he  occasionally  drops, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  223 

and  they  are  carelessly  strewn  about  the 
temple  steps,  ) 
(Turning  about  and  addressing  the  people.) 
Our  friend,  Cupbearer  of  the  King,  returns 
to-day. 

All 
(shouting  gladly) 
Ah  ha,  he  comes — he  comes — ^the  way 
Of  peace  is  Nehemiah's. 

(Eliashib  is  busied  in  the  door  of  the 

temple  with  his  own  personal  work,) 

Ezra 

(disapprovingly  to  Eliashib) 

A  good  word 
Hast  thou  to  say  to  him? 
Eliashib 
(carelessly  to  Ezra) 
Yea,  I  have  wrought 

Within  this  temple,  just  as  he  has  taught. 
Ezra 
(to  Eliashib) 
For  thyself,  alone,  hast  wrought? 
Eliashib 
(to  Ezra) 
At  times,  *tis  true. 

All  work  may  not  be  given  for  Greek  and 
Jew. 


224  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(Hanani  and  Hananiah  are  sleeping 
soundly  at  one  end  of  the  porch  of  the 
temple.  Sleep,  in  dull  colors,  is  watching 
jealously  over  them.) 

Ezra 
(pointing  derisively  toward  the  sleepers) 

Yet  they  were  truly  left  in  charge!    Yon 
temple  wall 

They  have  not  guarded.    Even  though  it  fall, 

Would  they  awake?  (The  sleepers,  breath- 
ing heavily,  move,  in  their  sleep,  over 
very  near  to  the  edge  of  the  porch.)  Ah, 
lethargy,  I  know 

Of  none  more  deadly  enemy  and  foe !  (point- 
ing toward  sleepers) 

Nor  home,  nor  church  thou  guardest  when 
with  sleep 

Thine  eyes  are  heavy.  A  still  small  voice 
will  come. 

And  sadly  say:  "Couldst  thou  not  watch 
one  hour, 

And  keep  a  loving  guard  o'er  church  and 
home?" 

(A  loud  blare  of  trumpets  is  heard  without. 
Enter  chariots  and  drivers,  Court  attend- 
ants. King  Artaxerxes  and  Queen,  for- 
mer slaves  dressed  as  nobles.    Nehemiah 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  225 

enters  last,  accompanied  by  the  five  beau- 
tiful women,  Wakefulness,  Intuition, 
Discernment,  Faith  and  Understand- 
ing. 

Nehemiah 
(to  All) 

Greeting,  my  friends.    (All  bow  reverently.) 

The  walls  (examining  walls  carefully)  still 
stand,  I  see. 

I  thank  thee  for  thy  true  fidelity!  (Again 
bows  to  alL) 

(At  this  moment,  Eliashib  and  Tobiah 
emerge  from  the  temple,  carrying  softest 
of  down  pillows,  images,  robes,  and  many 
personal  belongings,  Nehemiah  discerns 
this  proceeding,  and  bounding  joyously 
up  the  steps  of  the  temple,  lovingly  greets 
Eliashib.) 

So  thou  (tenderly) 

Hast  prepared  for  God  a  great  chamber, 

Where  aforetime  our  fathers  laid  their  meat 
offerings, 

The  frankincense,  and  the  vessels,  and  the 
tithes  of  the  corn, 

The  new  wine  and  the  oil,  which  was  com- 
manded to  be  given  to  the  Levites,  and 
the  singers,  and  the  porters; 


226  THE  KING^S  CUPBEARER 

And  the  offerings  of  the  priests  ? 
The  King 
(to  Nehemiah) 
I,  Artaxerxes,  king  of  Babylon, 
Bear  witness,  in  all  this  time, 
Thou  wert  not  at  Jerusalem. 
Queen  and  Court 
(together) 
We  bear  witness,   Nehemiah,   King's   Cup- 
bearer. 

Nehemiah 

(to  Court) 

Worthy    King    and    Queen    and    Court    of 

Artaxerxes  Longimanus, 
Thou  bearest  witness,  in  all  this  time, 
I  was  not  at  Jerusalem. 

The  King 
This  cursed  ownership  is  not  thy  shame; 
Thou  art  exonerated,  free  from  blame! 

Nehemiah 
(to  King) 
I  thank  thee  for  this  judgment,  still  I  call 
Upon  thee  for  a  higher  sentence.    All 
I  ask  is,  let  me  share  their  blame.    I  know 
Sin's  devious  ways  through  finite  church,  and 

though 
They  have  built  for  themselves,  'tis  true  that 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  227 

they  (indicating  Eliashib  and  Tobiah) 
Are  eager  now  to  watch  and  work  and  pray. 
To  leave  them  with  a  pow'r  they  could  not 

prove 
In  one  brief  moment,  truly  was  not  love. 
I  should  have  stood  with  them.    In  Church, 

I  know 
Are  devious  ways  of  self  and  pride  and  woe. 
Even  the  quarries  there  at  Babylon 
Should  not  have  held  me.  Truly,  we  are  one 
In  blame  and  Love's  forgiveness.     We  are 

freed 
Together,  they  and  I,  to  meet  earth's  need. 

King,  Queen  and  Court 

(together) 

This  is  our  judgment.     They  and  thou  art 

freed 
And  all  the  world  to  meet  mankind's  great 
need. 

Nehemiah 
(to  King,  Queen  and  Court) 
I  do  thank  thee  for  this  just  decision, 
Thou  King  and  Queen  and  Court  of  Babylon. 
In  years  to  come,  I  can  behold  a  day 
When  no  one  proves  another  wrong.     The 

sway 
Of  human  creeds  will  then  have  passed  away. 


228  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

There  shall  be  no  divisions  then,  that  hour, 
Of  just  and  unjust.    God's  unerring  pow'r 

Shall  rule  all  men. 
To-day  Truth's  temple  cannot  be  profaned; 
None  enter  there  as  thieves  in  Mind's  clear 

sight. 
(TOBIAH,  hearing  the  conversation  without, 

comes  to  the  door  of  the  temple,  and 

yawns  as  if  awakened  from  a  long  sleep.) 
For  himself  none  has  wrought,  not  one  has 

gained. 
For  God  is  the  Lord  of  right. 
Ezra 
(to  Nehemiah) 

Stay    . 
(pointing  derisively  to  Tobiah) 
His  cursed  selfishness. 

Nehemiah 
I  raise  no  questions  with  him.    God  is  good. 
In  Church  all  men  are  truly  understood. 
(pointing  lovingly  to  Eliashib  and  Tobiah) 
Foo"  himself  no  one  has  wrought,  no  one 

gained. 
For  God  is  the  Lord  of  right. 
(Eliashib  and  Tobiah  re-enter  the  temple 

and  returning  again  to  the  door,  cast  out, 

far  beyond  the  wall,  their  household  stuff. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  229 

Both  men  take  their  places  with  the  group 
of  workers.  Servants  come  with  water 
for  cleansing.  During  this  process,  the 
singers  flee  from  the  stage,  every  one  re- 
turning to  his  own  field,) 

Ezra 
(to  Nehemiah) 
I  perceive  that  the  portions  of  the  Levites 
Have  not  been  given  them.     (Looking  about 

where  the  singers  stood,) 
For  the  Levites  and  the  singers  that  did  the 

work 
Are  fled  every  one  to  his  field. 
(Addressing  the  rulers,  and  pointing  toward 

•     the  empty  temple,) 
Why  is  the  house  of  God  forsaken? 

Nehemiah 
(Bows  his  head  in  pi'ayer,) 
The  house  of  God  can  never  be  forsaken. 

(to  rulers) 
And  Labor's  portion  never  can  be  lost. 
No  one  can  own  this  sacred  place.     (TOBIAH 

and  Eliashib  nod  assent.) 
Naught  e'er  can  drive  a  worker  out 
Of  Church.    There  is  no  fear,  no  doubt, 
Nor  death,  nor  ownership,  nor  creed. 
That  e'er  can  keep  a  worker  from  his  meed. 


230  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

No  one  can  own  outright  goodness  and  grace, 

Each  worker  must  forever  fill  his  place, 

And  earn  the  loving  wage  of  giving  all. 

(Eliashib  and  Tobiah  drop  their  personal 

belongings,) 

Rulers 

(repeating  with  emphasis) 

Each  now  pays  the  price 
Of  giving  all ! 

Ezra 

(to  Nehemiah) 

(Observing  Hanani  and  Hananiah,  sleep- 

ing,  while  Sleep  watchfully  guards  them.) 

Why  is  mankind  so  loath  to  keep  awake? 

Is  God  not  good  to  think  of?     Why,  then, 

sleep 
Away  one's  precious  hours  ?  Arise,  and  shake 
This  cursed  lethargy  aside. 

(goes  to  edge  of  porch  and  gives  men 

vigorous  shaking) 

(Both  men  wake.    Exit  Sleep  very  quietly.) 

Nehemiah 
(to  all) 
Men  keep  the  faith  today  and  bless,  indeed, 
The  earth  since  wakefulness  is  their  one 

creed. 
(As  Nehemiah  speaks,  Human  Goodness, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  231 

wearing  a  long  silken  wrap  and  costly 
furs,  appears  in  the  door  of  the  temple. 
Persecution  stands  close  beside  her. 
Creeds  of  Men,  in  ecclesiastical  garb, 
endeavors  to  enter.  Human  Goodness 
refuses  to  let  him  pass  into  the  temple. 
Persecution  holds  a  handkerchief  to  the 
eyes  of  Human  Goodness  as  she  weeps.) 

Human  Goodness 
(Weeping  while  Persecution  wipes  her 
eyes.) 
Church  is  my  place  of  refuge.    There  I  weep 
And  hide,  e'en  after  lethargy  and  sleep 
And  ownership  all  have  been  cast  aside. 
In  church  I  weep  and  whisper,  sneer  and 

hide! 
I  weep  for  all  the  sins  of  everyone 
Except  myself.    I  do  not  sin!    Tve  won 
Through  ages,  fulsome  praise  of  human  good, 
And  yet,  Fm  neither  loved  nor  understood. 
Ezra 
(to  Nehemiah) 
Call  all  Judah,  (gladly)  let  them  bring 
The  tithe  of  corn  and  new  wine. 
And  oil  to  fill  our  empty  treasuries ; 
Let  them  gather  the  fruit  from  the  field  and 

vine, 
That  our  God  in  heaven  we  please ! 


232  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

(Nehemiah  appears  contented,  as  if  he  were 

refiising  to  assume  false  responsibility.) 

Nehemiah 

The  voice  of  All   in   Church  /redeems  the 

earth. 
The  voice  of  All  speaks  with  Love's  mighty 

worth. 
The  voice  of  All  in  Church  calls  men  to  give 
Truth's  corn  and  wine  that  mankind  now  may 
live. 

Shemaiah,  the  Priest 
(To  Nehemiah,  as  Human  Goodness  and 
Persecution  persist  in  obstructing  the 
door  of  the  temple  so  that  All  Creeds 
cannot  enter.) 
Prince,  wilt  thou  not  rebuke  this  cursed  lie 
Of  Human  Goodness,  lest  all  men  should  die? 

Nehemiah 
(Nehemiah  smiles  approvingly  at  Human 

Goodness  and  Persecution.) 
I  see  in  each  the  image  of  blest  Mind ; 
Each  face  I  see  is  gentle,  patient,  kind. 

Nehemiah 
(to    5^HEMAIAH,    the    Priest,    Zadok,    the 
Scribe,    Pedaiah    of    the    Levites    and 
Hanan.) 
Thou  hast  been  faithful,  for  thou 
Hast  distributed  unto  thy  brethren. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  233 

(Enter  men  and  women  and  children.  They 
are  all  carrying  baskets  of  corn  and  wine 
and  oil,) 

All 
We  come,  blest  Nehemiah,  here  to-day 
To  praise  the  King  of  kings  and  watch  and 

pray. 
(Enter  men  with  ware,  selling  fish.    They  go 
directly  to  the  nobles  and  give  them  their 
earnings.) 

Zadok 
(to  Nehemiah) 
What  evil  thing  is  this  that  they  do, 
And  profane  the  Sabbath  day? 
Nehemiah 
(to  the  Nobles) 
Business  can  ne'er  profane  the  Sabbath  day. 
When  men  go  to  their  Church  e'en  as  they  go 
To  work,  then  all  earth's  sin  shall  pass  away. 
There  can  be  no  more  sickness,  pain  nor  woe 
When  Church  becomes  the  quiet  resting  place 
Of  all  the  world's  activities ;  we  then 
Shall  see  our  Maker  ever  face  to  face ; 
Business  and  Church  shall  be  the  home  of 
men, 

(as  if  in  prophecy) 
I  see  on  earth  Church  and  true  .business  rise 
Together  in  one  temple.    Paradise 


234  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Shall  then  be  this  earth's  dwelling  place  for 

all. 
The  chimes  of  Church  shall  ring  and  truly 

call 
All  men  to  work. 
(Nobles  stand  reverently  with  bowed  heads. 

Darkness   ci^eeps   on   suddenly,   as   if  a 

storm  were  rising.    The  gates  are  open,) 
All 
Let  all  the  gates  be  shut  this  night, 
And  opened  not  till  after  the  Sabbath  day. 
Let  all  the  gates  be  shut! 
(The  iron  gates  swing  forcefully  shut,  and  as 

they  close  the  setting  sun  shines  forth 

with  wondrous  splendor,) 

Human  Goodness 
(to  those  who  sell  fish) 
Why  lodg'st  thou  about  the  wall?  What  right 
Hast  thou  to  profane  the  Sabbath  day? 
I  always  keep  the  rest,  a  Sabbath  rest, 
I  work  unselfishly  for  God  alone. 

Nehemiah 
I  learned  of  Understanding  years  ago 
How  to  relinquish  human  care  and  woe! 
(Enter  several  young  men  talking  to  young 
women  of  foreign  birth.  The  women  have 
low,  degraded  appearance.    They  are  all 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  235 

intoxicated.  Loud,  coarse  jesting  and  vul- 
gar caressing.) 

The  Young  Men 

(to  Nehemiah) 

Nehemiah,   (laughing  boisterously)  our 

wives  of  foreign  birth ! 

Nehemiah 

(to  the  Young  Men) 

I  raise  no  questions  with  them.     They  are 

thine 
Own  choice,  and  thus  they  must  be  mine. 
Human  Goodness 
(weeping) 
(To  one  young  man)  And  thou,  now 
Wouldst  wed  strange  wives ! 
(To  another)  And  thou? 
Thou  seekest  e'er  thine  own 
And  not  another's  good ! 

Ezra 
Strange  fancies  have  we  when  we  seek  our 

own, 
And  not  another's  good.    None  can  atone 
For  wrong;  forever  it  is  cast  without, 
With  "dogs,  and  sorcerers,"  with  creeds  and 

doubts ! 
Strange  wives,  strange  creeds,  strange  gods, 

strange  idle  prayers, 


236  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Strange  deprivations,  strange  diseases, 
cares ! 

Persecution 
(prpudly) 

I  always  must  atone 
For  wrong! 

Human  Goodness 

Forever  I  have  cast  wrong  out! 

Strange  creeds  can  never  enter  here.     No 

doubt, 
Nothing  unworthy  e*er  has  passed  my  door; 
Though  I  am  best  of  all  the  earth,  no  more 
Men  seek  me.     (She  stands  alone.) 
(to  Nehemiah) 
See,  ye  built  this  wall. 
Art  thou,  then,  not  afraid  that  it  will  fall  ? 
The  King  will  give  thee  pow'r  to  command; 
All  things  in  church  are  under  thine  own 

hand. 
(The  women  of  strange  birth,  with  Creeds  of 
Men,  try  to  enter  the  temple.    Human 
Goodness  drives  them  back,) 
Nehemiah 
(compassionately,  to  Human  Goodness  and 

Persecution) 
Keep  all  my  human  power,  if  ye  choose; 
In  losing  it,  it  is  no  thing  to  lose. 
Keep  all  my  human  goodness.    God  is  good, 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  237 

With  Him,  all  men  are  truly  understood. 

Divine  authority  is  mine  this  hour, 

And  thine.    God  giveth  man  in  Church  Love's 

pow'r. 
God  giveth  man  in  Church  the  right  to  speak 
Words  that  will  comfort  all  the  worn  and 

weak 
And  burdened  sons  of  earth.    This  is  man's 

right, — 
Divine  authority  and  endless  right. 

(As  Nehemiah  surrenders  all  human  power 
and  human  goodness,  the  wives  of  strange 
birth  are  seen  to  be  the  radiant  daugh- 
ters of  Shallum.  Exit  Human  Good- 
ness. She  appears  crushed.  Enter 
Discernment.  All  crowd  about  Nehe- 
miah. Exeunt  Creeds  of  Men  and 
Persecution.) 

(Enter  Understanding.  She  stands  in  the 
door  of  the  Temple  and  lovingly  welcomes 
all.  The  people  with  baskets  of  corn  and 
wine  and  oil  on  their  arms  sing  together.) 

All 

(Led  by  Understanding  and  Nehemiah,  the 
people  walk  in  groups  on  the  towering 
heights  of  the  walls.    Nehemiah  passes 


238  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

to  each  a  Book  of  the  Law  and  immedi- 
ately Understanding  gives  to  each 
another  Book  of  the  Law.  The  people 
hold  these  books  aloft,  one  in  the  right 
hand  and  the  other  in  the  left,  and  read 
as  they  walk.  The  last  rays  of  the  setting 
sun  shine  softly  over  the  procession  of 
singers.) 

{Singing  together.) 

"Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God ; 

And  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ; 

And  uphold  me  with  thy  free  spirit. 

Thou  delightest  not  in  sacrifice; 

Thou  hast  no  pleasure  in  burnt  offerings. 

The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit : 

A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  0  God,  thou 
wilt  not  despise. 

Do  good  in  Thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion : 

Build  Thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

Build  Thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem." 

Nehemiah 
(hands  uplifted  to  heaven — to  the  men  and 

women  on  the  heights  of  the  walls) 
"Remember  me,  0  my  God,  concerning  this, 
And  wipe  not  out  my  good  deeds  that  I  have 
done 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  239 

For  the  house  of  my  God,  and  for  the  offices 

thereof — 
Remember  me,  0  my  God,  for  good." 
For  I,  as  "The  King's  Cupbearer," 
Bring  peace  and  joy  to  earth. 
Yea,  I,  as  "The  King's  Cupbearer," 
Herald  mankind's  new  birth. 
I  prophesy  peace,  salvation. 
Jerusalem,  saved,  begins 
To  mould  the  world  in  one  nation 
And  cleanse  earth's  temple  of  sins — 
Sins  that  have  stirred  through  malice 
Earth's  nations  to  war  and  hate. 
Jerusalem  holds  the  chalice 
Of  Love  at  her  heavenly  gate. 
Within  Jerusalem,  all  men  shall  be 
Both  male  and  female,  sinless,  deathless,  free. 

(Understanding,  Wakefulness,  Intui- 
tion, Faith  and  Discernment  stand  on 
the  highest  point  of  the  walls  looking  ten- 
derly down  to  Nehemiah.  They  typify 
collectively  the  womanly  qvulity  of  spir- 
itual  understanding  which  redeems  all 
biLsiness,  men,  nations  and  churches.  As 
these  women  walk  upon  the  walls,  they 
are  intently  reading  two  Books  of  the 
Law,  which  they  hold  aloft  in  either  hand. 


240  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

Brilliant  rays  of  the  setting  sun  light  up 
the  pages  of  the  open  Books,) 

Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  Love's  marriage 
feast 

Is  now  prepared  for  all  mankind.    The  least 

Thy  grateful  children  o'er  the  earth  can  say 

Is:  "Father,  we  thank  Thee  tenderly  to- 
day." 

"Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates,  0 
Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem  is  builded  as  a  city  that  is  com- 
pact together: 

Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the 
Lord, 

Unto  the  testimony  of  Israel, 

To  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem : 

They  shall  prosper  that  love  thee."  Psalm  122. 

(Nehemiah  gratefully  beholding  Under- 
standing, who  looks  down  from  the 
highest  point  of  the  wall,  lovingly  ad* 
dresses  her.) 

From  this  time  forth  no  one  shall  speak  on 
earth 

Save  Understanding.  Men  now  know  the 
worth 

Of  Understanding's  healing  pow'r  and  might. 


THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER  241 

(with  head  bowed  in  prayer) 
Father,  o'er  all  the  earth,  "Let  there  be 
light!" 

Understanding 
(with  hands  extended,  looks  down  from  the 
highest  point  of  the  wall) 
(in  prayer) 
Now  the  glorious  day 
Of  understanding  dawns,  Thy  servants  may 
Lodge  in  Jerusalem  eternally. 
With  Anglo-Israel  wedded,  men  shall  rise, 
Triumphant  over  self.    Earth's  paradise 
Shall  dawn  for  Judah.     On  this  wedding 

morn. 
All  men  are  satisfied,  yea,  newly  born. 
Triumphant  on  the  walls  of  Church,  they 

stand, 
All  men  and  creeds  together.    Hand  in  hand, 
Blest  Capital  and  Labor,  too,  shall  give 
Themselves  in  wedlock  that  all  men  may  live. 
This   is   earth's    wondrous   wedding, — Love 

shall  bind 
Nations  and  men  together.    They  shall  find 
In  unity,  "no  questions"  can  be  "raised." 
They  shall  be  bound  in  wedlock.     God  be 

praised ! 
(These  words  portray  salvation  for  all  Cap- 
ital and  Labor,  nations  and  creeds  on 


242  THE  KING'S  CUPBEARER 

earth,  brought  about  by  the  union  of  the 
great  Anglo-Saxon  countries,  the  United 
Kingdom  pf  Great  Britain  and  Ireland 
and  the  United  States  of  America,  include 
ing  in  this  indissolu^able  union  all  nations 
on  earth.  Thus  the  vision  of  perpetual 
peace  is  fulfilled,  the  waste  walls  of 
Jerusalem  are  rebuilt,  and  the  pne 
Nation,  Temple  or  Church,  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven,  appears,) 


G>mposition  by  H.  C.  Brock 

Printing  by  Udell  Printing  Service 

Cover  Design  and  Binding  by  The  Dean-Hicks  G)mpany 


A5 


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